The minor poems of John Lydgate

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From the Library of

Professor W.H, Clawson

Dept. of English
Univ. College

HANDBOUND
AT THE

UNI\'ERSITY OF
TORONTO PRESS

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€arlg (gnglis^ ®t*t Society.

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1911 (for 1910)

BERLIN: ASHER & CO., 13, UNTER DEN LINDEN.

NEW YORK : 0. SCRIBNER & CO. , LEYPOLDT & HOLT.

PHILADELPHIA : J. B. LIPPINCOTT & CO.

1

C:i?ercl)cgpnnct!)tl)ctcftani|tof|oljii

Lydgate at his De.sk, from Pynson's Fkint of "The Testament."

"The famous clerk hathe joys of his librarye."

(Lydgate, Evtry Thing to his SemblcU^le.)

She pinoii |lop?5

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EDITED FROM ALL AVAILABLE MSS., WITH AN ATTEMPT TO ESTABLISH

THE LYDGATE CANON

BY

HENRY NOBLE MacCRACKEN, Ph.D.

ASSISTANT PKOKEaSOR OF ENGLISH IN YALE UNIVERSITY

PART I

1. THE LYDGATE CANON

2. RELIGIOUS POEMS

LONDON:
PUBLISHED FOR THE EARLY ENGLISH TEXT SOCIETY

BY KEGAN PAUL, TKENCH, TRUBNEE & CO., Ltd.,

DRYDEN HOUSE, 43 GERRARD STREET, 80H0, W.

AND BY HENRY FROWDE, OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS,

AMEX CORNER, E.G., AND IN NEW YORK.
1911 (for 1910).

)H I)

921705

®dra StruB, cvii.

RICHARD CLAY & SONS, LIMITED, LONDON AND BUNOAV.

PREFACE.

The present edition is the result of study during the year 1906-7
at Harvard University, where I presented a thesis for the doctor's
degree, Studies in the Life and Writinris of John Lydgate. In that
thesis, now in the library at Harvard University, I devoted chapter
IT to the consideration of I.ydgate's rhyme, metre, and style, and
chapter III to the rejection of many of the poems which in this intro-
duction I declare spurious. The canon here presented was read at the
Philological Society's meeting hi IMarcli 1908, and met with the
general approval of those most famiUar with Lydgate's writings. It
contained only a summary of essentials, where my thesis considered
the subject in its fullest extent ; and any one desirous of disputing
my statements about Lydgate's rhyme, metre, and style, is referred to
that ponderous manuscript of a thousand typed pages, for my evidence.

Professor Saintsbury, in a note in the bibliography to his chapter
on the Chaucerians, in The Cambridge History of English Literature,
Vol. II, speaks kindly of my attempt to establish a Lydgate Canon,
but objects to my statement that " Lydgate is always smooth," and to
my dismissal of Hawes' evidence in re The Assembly of Gods and
Court of Sapience. In answer to the first, I say that contrasted with
the poetry of his time Lydgate's verse is smooth, by whatever stand-
ard it be judged, and that a poem must be as smooth as any of the
acknowledged pieces of Lydgate^ to be accepted as his, if no other
e^vidence is forthcoming ; just as an essay on English poetry must be
as witty and entertaining as the acknowledged work of Professor
Saintsbury, before I would admit that it was his, if no other evidence
were at hand. He must not start on a false premise, that Lydgate
wrote London Lickpeny, the Court of Sapience and the Assembly of
Gods, and then generalize on " Lydgate's "style, and its apparent lack
of smoothness.

To his second criticism, I answer that Professor Saintsbury must
not imply that since Hawes speaks of his master, he kneio the monk
intimately. The monk had been dead fifty years before Hawes wrote
at King Henry's court. Hawes probably took his knowledge from
the prints of the time, which were in Lydgate's case, as in Chaucer's,
often right, and often wrong. It is the easiest thing in the world,
after a lapse of fifty years, for anonymous pieces to be attributed
■wrongly to a well-known author, even by a devoted admirer. Let
Professor Saintsbury examine the anonymous stories and articles in the
Southern Literary Messenger, which have recently been attributed to

^ By acknowledged pieces I mean pieces in which the poet names himself.

Freface,

Poe. Will he accept them as Poe's, upon the word of some present-
day admirer of Poe, unless they are precisely in the style of Poe's
acknowledged work ? Finally, Professor Saintsbury notes with sur-
prise my disqualification of London Liclipenij, though ten Brink had
rejected it years ago.

My task has nothing in it of a revolutionary character. I have
followed other editors of Lydgate, and by comparison of rhyme-
indexes of all other known verse-writers of the fifteenth century
with Lydgate's acknowledged practice I have noted a number of
diff"erences in usage, which are sufficient to determine, in cases where
the style is close to Lydgate's, the probabilities of his authorship.
My reliance upon the word of scribes is justified by the satisfactory
way in which their attributions fulfil the conditions of these rhyme-
tests.

In manuscript-lists of the major-poems, I have made little original
search, though I think my lists are more complete than any hitherto
published. I was able to draw the attention of Dr. Bergen, the
editor of the Troy Book, to three manuscripts, and to correct Dr.
Erdmann's list of the Thebes MSS. in one particular. For The
Temple of Glas, Life of St. AJhon, Daimce of Machahree, Complaint
of the Black Knight, Fables., Nightingale, and Secrees, all recently
edited or studied, I have added a MS. apiece.

If many additions are made to my Lydgate Canon, they will come
chiefly, I believe, from the numerous private sources, to which,
during my year's residence in England, 1907-8, I had no access.
The only library, known to contain poems by Lydgate, to which I
was denied access was Longleat ; and some future visitor must make
collations there with my texts. Fortunately I have other copies,
and earlier ones, than any in Longleat.

My thanks are due to Mr. Alfred Eogers of the Cambridge
University Library and to Mr. J. Abrams of the Bodleian for copies
of certain texts.

To the authorities of the various public libraries, and to owners
of manuscripts in their private libraries I am greatly obliged for
permission to inspect manuscripts. Particular acknowledgment will
be made in the notes on manuscripts in my second volume.

To Dr. Furnivall, for much kind help, I am greatly indebted. To
Professor W. Henry Schofield, at whose suggestion I undertook the
task, and to Professors W. A. Neilson and G. L. Kittredge of
Harvard, I am most grateful for continued encouragement and
assistance. Professor Carleton F. Brown of Bryn Mawr College
kuadly directed me to the Sidney Sussex College MS.

Henry Noble MacCracken.
New Haven,

January 1, 1910.

CONTENTS.

The Lydgate Canon ...
Index to the Lydgate Canon

I'AGB
V

li

Religious Poems : —

1. Benedic Anima Mea Domino...

2. Benedictus Peus in Donis Suis

3. Deus in Nomine Tuo Saluum me Fag

4. An Epistle to Sibille

5. The Pater Noster Translated

6. A Prayer in Old Age

7. Te Deum Laudamus

8. Vexilla Regis Prodeunt

9. God is Myn Helpere...

10. A Defence of Holv Church

11. A Procession of Corpus Cristi

12. A Holy Medytacion ...

13. Letabundus

14. An Exposition of the Pater Noster

15. Misericordias Domini in Eternum Cantabo

16. On De Profundis

17.. Poems on the Mass ...

18. The Fifftene Toknys aforn the Doom

19. Prayers to Ten Saints

20. To St. Edmund

21. A Devowte Invocacioun to Sainte Denys

22. A Praise of St. Anne

1

7

10

14

18

20

21

25

27

30

35

43

49

60

71

77

84

117

120

124

127

130

Contents.

/ ■

23. An Invocation to Seynte Anne

24. A Pratere to Seynt Michaell

25. A Prayeer to Gaubriell

26. To St. Katherine, St. Margaret, and St. Mary

Magdalene ...

27. A Prayer to St. Leonard

28. To St. Ositha

29. To St. Kobert of Bury

30. A Prayer to Seynt Thomas

31. A Prayer to St. Thomas of Canterbury

32. To St. Ursula and the Eleven Thousand Virgins

33. The Legend of St. George ...

34. The Legende of St. Petbonilla

35. How the Plague was Ceased in Eome

36. The Legend of Seynt Gyle ...

37. The Legend of Seynt Margauete ...

38. The Legend of St. Austin at Compton

39. The Eight Verses of St. Bernard...

40. Another version of the above
4L A Prayer for King, Queen, and People, 1429 ..

42. Cristes Passioun

43. A Seying of the Nightingale

44. The Child Jesus to Mary, the Rose

45. Criste Qui Lux es et Dies ...

46. The Fifteen Goes of Christ

47. The Dolerous Pyte of Crystes Passioun

48. A Prayer upon the Cross ...

49. Ballade at the Reverence of Our Lady, Qwene

OF Mercy ...

50. The Fyfftene Ioyes of Cure Lady (ii)

51. The Fifteen Joys and Sorrows of Mary

52. Ave Maria!

53. To Mary the Star of Jacob

54. To Mary the Queen of Heaven

55. Gaude Virgo Mater Christi

56. The Image of Our Lady

130
133
133

134
135
137
138
139
140
144
145
154
159
161
173
193
206
209
212
216
221
235
235
238
250
252

254
2G0
268
280
282
284
288
290

Contents.

57. Ave Regina Celorum

58. Regina Celi Letare ...

59. Stella Celi Extirpauit (i) ...

60. Stella Celi Extirpauit (ii) ...

61. A Prayer to Mary in whom is Affiaunce

62. On the Image of Pity

63. Ave, Jesse Virqula ! ...

64. A Valentine to Her that Excelleth All

65. The Legend of Dan Joos

66. Gloriosa Dicta Sunt De Te

67. Quis Dabit Meo Capiti Fontem Lacrimarum 1

68. The Testament of Dan John Lydgate

69. A Kalendare ...

PAQB

291
293
294
295
296
297
299
304
311
315
324
329
3G3

C0 m|) Mxh

THE LYDGATE CANON.'

There are three means of discrimination to help us in proving
Lydgate's true works : Lydgate's own statements, the statements of
contemporary scribes, and the internal evidence of rhyme, metre, and
style. I place least emphasis on the last, but none the less consider
it as our only aid when the first two are lacking.

1. No one surely can doubt a poet who names himself in his
work. Literary forgery was a lost art, when most pieces circulated
anonpnously.

2. The scribes of the period seem to have been particularly well-
informed people, and I take their rubrics and colophons as generally
far more trustworthy than our own microscopic examination of the
texts.2

3. Internal evidence gives doubtfvd residts. Lydgate in his
secular poetry was a Chaucerian, while in his religious poetry he had
a host of imitators. In the one case I cannot deny that another
Chaucerian might have written almost any one of the poems of
the school of the court of love ascribed to Lydgate. In the other
case I cannot deny that an imitator might have imitated his style so
closely as to make his work indistinguishable from his model's. At
once I must abandon an attempt to claim for Lydgate any ballade,
virelai, or other poem of courtly love not expressly assigned to him

^ This Introduction is a revision and enlargement of a preliminary paper
presented under this title before the Philological Society, March, 190S, and
printed in the Transactions as Appendix II. of 1907-09. Certain errors in that
paper are silently corrected here, and I take this opportunity to apologize for
them.

2 In MS. Bodley 686 the running title puts Lydgate above the Tale of
the Crow or Chaucer's Maunciples Tale. The scribe intended it to head not
this poem, but some one of Lydgate's works, a number of which he adds later on.
This error crept into library catalogues, and I last saw it in a Berlin doctor's
dissertation, printed in 1906 ! In MS. Rawlinson c. 86, date about 1500, part
of Chaucer's Dido is ascribed to Lydgate. Finally the gossippy Shirley in
Ashmole 59, written in old age, is not always to be trusted.

vi Lydgate's Style Uniform.

on MS. authority. But in regard to Lydgate's imitators I can oppose
the objection that Lydgate's religious and moral poems, written in his
own manner, are almost entirely the product of his old age, and that
his imitators are a generation behind him. Lydgate as an old man
still writes the language of his youth, but his imitators cannot find
this language in the rapidly changing state of the tongue. Thus it is
unlil\;ely that any imitator on the religious side will be able to imitate
Lydgate so closely as to defy detection. Poets of equal age with
Lydgate may do so, but they are not so apt to be his imitators.
And diligent search has failed to find a single known religious poet
of the time whose rhyme-scheme is the same as Lydgate's.

But upon the other side of the question, upon the exclusion of
ipurious poetry, it is, I think, a safe canon, or means of discrimina-
tion, that if in 100,000 lines of verse known as Lydgate's no excep-
cions can be found to certain phenomena, any poem in which such
exceptions occur must possess stronger evidence than tradition
dating from later than 1500 if its claim to share in Lydgate's fame
is to be admitted. Lydgate might have changed his style, his rhyme,
his metre for another, had he ever been conscious that another style,
metre, or rhyme was desirable ; there is no evidence that he ever
thought so, or that any contemporary ever thought so. On the
contrary, his style throughout his life is highly commended by the
religious poet, by the historical verse-writer, and by the poet of
courtly love. This style is perhaps the most uniform, the most
repetitive, the most conventional of all English poetry. In his
work, therefore, if anywhere, tests of rhyme, rhyme-tag, metre and
phrase shoxild be applied with almost absolute precision.

We have, then, before us the task, not of describing in all their
detail, the characteristics of Lydgate's poetry, but of providing if
possible a basis for certain tests of genuineness.

I. Khyme.

Lydgate was throughout his life an accurate and skilful rhymer. ^
His rhyme-index is carefully modelled on Chaucer's, and there are
very few exceptions to his usage. Certain of these should be noted.

1. Words ending in -er, -ere, -ers, rhyme with words in -ir, -ire,
-irs.^

1 In all these remarks I but follow the various editors of Lydgate's works,
for the Early English Text Society, to whose evidence the reader is referred.

Lyd gates Rhymes, \ n

But so they (li» in the Assembly of Gods, and in Bokenham's
poems, and in Fragment B of tlie Romaunt of the Rose.

2. Open and close e, and o, are not kept apart.

But this is characteristic of all fifteenth-century verse, and in
fact Chaucer did not always keep the distinction.

3. Final weak -e. Words ending in a final weak -e sometimes
rhpue with words that do not. But this practice is characteristic of
the poems of the whole century. The Avhole matter of final -e in
the fifteenth century is best postponed until we are more sure as to
the facts. A study of Lydgate's -e is now being made.

4. The -y : -ye, -ie, rhyme.

In certain words, mercy, party, Calvary, Lydgate varies between
-y and -ye rhymes.^ But aside from these, Lydgate's usage is practi-
cally uniform ; he never departs from the Chaucerian usage once in
10,000 lines. All his contemporaries, save Hoccleve, rhyme y : -ye.

It should be noted that skye, no matter in what sense it is used,
always rhymes in Lydgate with words in -ye, as do remedye, Marie.

5. "We may now note certain minor Chaucerian distinctions,
observed by Lydgate, but neglected by one or other of the poets
whose works are identified as Lydgate's.^ Lydgate never rhymes
the following :

1. -igne, -ine. Ex. benlgne : devlne.

2. -ighte, -ite. „ righte : lyte.

3. -orie, -ye. „ glorie : folye.

4. -arie, -ie. ,, necessarie : folye.

5. -ees, -esse. „ pees : excesse.

6. Assonances.^

7. Penultimate or antepenultimate rhyme of words in -oun.*

In Nos. 1, 2, and 6 of the above classes Lydgate's usage is

^ Three examples in Complaint of the Black Knight, and three in Reason
and Sensuality, both early works. Practically none in later poems.

"^ John Walton, for example, rhymes -orie : -ye ; as do John Hardyng,
Quixley, and Burgh. The continuator of the Secrees rhymes -igne : -ine
continually.

^ Assonances occur in Lydgate, but very rarely indeed ; not over 6 in
150,000 lines.

* Temptacioun : nacioun, derisioun : visioun, correccioun : dileccioun, etc.
The -acioun rhyme comes into Lydgate's work rarely, and by accident in his
latest poems (Serrees, Miracles of Edmund) ; the others never. They are
characteristic of Hoccleve's verse, however. Miss B. Skeat, in her dissertation
on The Lamentation of Mary Magdalene, noted the fact that Lydgate rhymed
on the ultimate, and used it as a test in denying that poem to Lydgate, to
whom the Harleian Catalogue assigns it.

viii Lydgates Iletre.

almost miiform ; in 3, 4, and 5 it may be said to be absolutely
so. These distinctions, so often neglected by other poets of the
time, furnish the readiest way to dispose of most of the pseudo-
Lydgatian poetry.

II. Metre.

Lydgate, like most other poets of his time, had two lines,
■one of four accents, the other of five accents. I do not know
whether in any poem of his he puts the short line and the long
line together ; certain evidence points that way. His normal
forms of verse are the rhyme royal (or ballade, as it was called
in his time), the eight-line ballade stanza, and couplets in 8
and 10 syllables. In his envoys he sometimes employs stanzas
of varying rhjrme-schemes, abba, aabha, etc. Lydgate wrote
roundels too, Ave know. It seems pretty certain that in his five-
accent line Lydgate allowed greater variety than Chaucer in the
number of unaccented syllables. Yet at the same time he never
went so far as to make his lines impossible of reading under a
.scheme of variations of the iambic pentameter. ^ Thus verse so rude
as that of the Coventry Miracle Plays is quite foreign to his manner.
Throughout his life he centred his attention on the even flow
of his verse, and on the simplicity of structure so noticeable in
Chaucer. Those two ideals led him into redundancy and exceed-
ing looseness of grammatical form, but they never misled him into
immelodious measures.

Professor Churton Collins was probably right in saying that
Lydgate wrote some of the smoothest verse in the language. But

1 The broken-backed line, which Professor Schipper noted, with two
accented syllables next each other at the caesura, is not altogether objection-
able. I have tried reading Troy Book aloud, and have come to agree with
its editor that it is a pleasant variation of the line. The phenomenon is not
unknown in later times. I give a typical specimen, Troy Book, 16 :

To loke vpon inly furious.

But I believe with Professor Kaluza that this broken-backed line can in most
instances be easily mended, and that it was far less used than editors of
Lydgate would have us believe. {Liter aturUatt f. germ. Phil., 1899, pp. 373-
375; 1900, p. 408.)

It is important to note in this connection that the five accents in Lydgate's
line fall, without strain, upon syllables that require a major or minor stress.
This is not tlie practice of Hoccleve, invariably, nor of other writers of the time.
See, on this point. Dr. Furnivall's introduction to Hoccleve, E.E.T.S., E.S. 61,
p. xli ; and my Quixley's Ballades Royal, Yorkshire Archcol. Jourri. March,
1908, XX, 35 ; also Metric of the Chaucerian Traditioii, A. H. Licklider, 1910.

Lijclgate's Style.

IX

to contend that no other poet could write harmoniously in Lytlgate's
•day would he hopeless. Such a poem as that addressed to Lydgate
in ]\[S. Bodley, Fairfax 16, is as metrical as any of Lydgate 's, and
obviously cannot be by him.

Until then a careful study of the metres of the fifteenth century
is made, and the prevailing rhythms noted down by some one as
acute as Professor Sievers, let us say, no possible test, other than
that of absolute roughness, can be used on poetry attributed to
Lydgate.

III. Style.

1. Subject. — Lydgate's pen was at the service of any devout
Catholic and patriotic Lancastrian. If his range of ideas was
narrow, he was yet ready to do what he coidd in any direction.
From some fields of writing he was shut out naturally, the fields
-open to a man of opposite nature. With the possible exception of
-one poem,^ Lydgate never descended to the vulgar and obscene.
"When translating, however, he might feel himself boimd to repro-
duce his original. Thus in the Ballade of the Crabbe, Lydgate
attacks priests, though very slightly, because his original had not
spared them.

It is thus not safe to believe that any subject would have been
foreign to Lydgate's pen, with the one exception of obscenity. And
even here Lydgate's introduction of Mine Host of the Tabard in
the Prologue to his Story of Tliebes, and the rather coarse language
which Mine Host uses, proves that Lydgate enjoyed this side of
Chaucer's humour as weU as the other.

2. Cliaucerian influence. — Xo amoiuit of Chaucerian influence

can be taken as a test of Lydgate's genuine writing. There was no

poet of the time, I believe, more the creature of Chaucer, no poet

more eager to

"... seke his boke )jat is left be-hynde,
Som goodly word J)er-iii for to fynde,
To sette amouge ))e crokid lynys rude
Whiche I do write ; as, by similitude,
f)e ruby stant, so royal of reuoun,
"With-Inne a ryng of copur or latoun."

[Troy Book, II, 4703 f.)

Yet others were no doubt equally devoted, and no greater mistake

1 The Hood of Green, noted below.

X The Tests Summarized.

could be made than to ascribe a poem to Lydgate merely because it
is Chaucerian and yet not quite up to Chaucer's mark.

3. Other influence. — In his religious poetry Lydgate shows most
clearly the influence of that school of poetry, of which the highest
types are the Pearl and the Quia Amore Langueo. While I do not
believe that Lydgate could rise to the height of this last poem, yet
he came near it on more than one occasion, and it is very difficult to
distinguish between a poem like Timor Mortis Conturbat Me, by
Lydgate, and others like Fortis ut Mors dileccio, not claimed for
him.

4. Much has been made of Lydgate's tendency to repetition,
amplification, and digression ; and indeed in some poems, particularly
those from the French, these traits seem almost a peculiar disease.
But these qualities are characteristic of the homilist at any period,
and the duplication of terms is an essential quality of English style.
It would thus be dangerous to draw any line between Lydgate's
tendency to excessive redundancy and the normal verbiage of
monkish poets. There are times when Lydgate is concise, when
every line teUs ; there are times when other poets than Lydgate grow
tedious.

5. The personality of Lydgate, as expressed in his writings, may
on occasion serve us as a guide. Lydgate is always modest, depre-
cative, simple ; he never forces himself or his opinion on the reader,
never treats the reader otherwise than as a master. It is quite true
that this attitude is a conventional one of the time, but in no other
writer that I have read is sincerity in the use of the convention so
evident in every line of his writing.

6. Another characteristic of Lydgate's style may be taken as a
test, his rhyme-tags. The best collection of these is in the preface
to Reson and Sensuallyte in the E.E.T.S. series. We note the
great variety of them, and the absence of one rhyme-tag so needed
by the minstrel, "verament."

Here then is a conservative statement of the tests which can
be applied. With proper caution, we can exact a certain smoothness
of verse, a certain dignity and elevation of sentiment, a certain
polish as of the court. We can demand no minstrel-rhyme-tags, and
no frequent use of the half-dozen departures from Chaucer's rhyme-
scheme, which I have particidarly noted. Applying these tests in a
friendly manner, it is now possible to draw up a list of Lydgate's
poems as they exist to-day in print or manuscript, and to indicate

Genuine Poems: Ale-seller — Amor Vincit Omnia. xi

tlie evidence upon wliicli we may allow thcni to the monk of liury.
I have made the list an alphabetical one l)y titles, quotin<( first
lines.^ Poems in which Lydgate names himself or liis place of
birth are indicated by small capiUils. Manuscripts in which the
scribe in rubric or colophon names Lydgate are named in italics.
Other external evidence is not indicated. On the side of internal
evidence it should be said tliat my examination of the poems here
j)resented finds every one of them agreeing with the tests I have
suggested for Lydgate's authorship. "Where there is no external
evidence, however, the nature of the internal evidence, leading me
to accept the poem in the Lydgate canon, is indicated.^

L Ale-seller,^ Ballade on an.

Beg. Reiuenibryiig ou tlie grete unstabiliiesse.

MS. — Bodley, Kawlinson, c. 48 ; 11 stanzas of 7 lines, last two fiagmcntary.

Sir Frederick Madden, whose aunotated copy of Ritson s Bibliof/raphia
Poet tea, iu the Haivard College Library, shows that he had a thorough know-
ledge of Lydgate MSS., ascribes the poem to Lydgate in his account of the MS.
in the preface to the Ro.xbuige Club Sijr d'airnyne. His judgment is veiitied
by the accuracy of the -ye rhyme in the refrain, the tags "I dar riht weel
assure," "1 dar weel saye." "in substauni-e," "done here besy cure," the
rhyme resoiin : gueidoiin, and the apologj' for "rude writynge." The ninth
stanza is another rendering of the proverb, " Falleie fallentem non est fraus,"
the version of which from the Fa/l of Princes is so often quoted. Tlie Rawlin-
.son MS. contains chietiy Lydgate poems. 1 do not feel justified in doubting
Sir Frederick Maddi-n's opinion, and therefore accept the poem as in full
harmony with Lydgatt;'s style. See also Ballade per Antiphrasim.

2. Amor YLncit Omnia, ]\Ientiris Quod Pecunia.

Beg. Ecli man folwith his owne fan'asie ; 17 stanzas of 8 lines,
mS'&.—Ashmole 59 ("pat philosotVe Lidegate")* ; B. M. Addit. 29729 ;
Harleij ~'i'ol ("a deniawnde by Lydgaie"). What is practically the
same refrain is in Fall of Princes, Book III, chapter 4, envoy, which
appears often as a separate poem.

' On titles. So far as possiljle, I have preserved the titles given in rubrics.
This is particularly true of the Latin titles indicating the hymns translated.
L) some cases, however, the titles in different MSS. of the same poem are noc
identical, in other cases the same title is applied to different poems. As most
of the poems are ballades with refrains, I have followed the practice adopted in
Chaucer's j oems Trouthe, Lak of Stedfasf.nesse, etc., of selecting the essential
element in the refrain line. In other cases I have tried to select a title agree-
able to the theme. The danger of confusion with titles given by others will be
obviated by cross references in the index.

- I must beg to defer the presentation of all my evidence in regard to poems
admitted by me on internal evidence alone, until these poems are discussed iu
the notes of this edition, which will be appended to my second volume.

•* MS. title, Hie nota de illis que vendunt ceruisiam in cantuar. But the
poem refers only to a loose tavern-wench.

•• As Shirley calls him. This is a good place in which to acknowledge my
indebtedness to Miss Hammond's recent articles on Shirley MSS. in Anglia,
passim.

LYDGATK, M. P. h

xii Genuine Poems: Ave Jesse Virgula — Brut.

3. Ave Jesse Virgula.

Bcq. Hayle blissid lady moder of Criste les'i ; 19 stanzas of 8 lines.
MSS.— i/«?-%,.V55(last 12 stauzj.s), 2251; Trin. Coll. Camb. R. :3. 21
(2 copies).^

4. Ave Maria {or Salutacio Angelica).

Beg. Hayle gloryous lady and heuenly quena; .5 stanzas of 8 short linos.
MS. — Trm. Coll. Cavib. Ji. 3. i2l.

5. Ave Eegina Celorum.

Btg. Hayle luminary and benigne lanternc ; 6 stanzas of 8 lines.
MSS.— Trin. Coll. Camb. 11. i. 21 (2 copies) ; Harley 2251.
Appears in both ]\ISS. in a list of similar jioeuis by Lydgate, ami is
exactly in their style ; "aureate beames," etc.

6. Ballade at tlie Reverence of Our Lady Qwene of Mercy.

Brg. A Thowsande stories I koujje to you reherce ; 11 stanzas of 7 lines.
U^^.—Ashmoh 59 ; B. M. Sloane 1212.

Printed bv Tlivnne, 153:^ Chaucer, joined to another poem ; se])arate]y
by Prof." Skeat, O.xford Chaucer, VII, 275, with collation of MSS.-

7. Ballade of Her that liatli all Virtues sette in liir Image.

Beg. Fresshe lusty beaute, loyned with gentylesse ; 7 stanzas of 7 lines.
nk — Trin. GvU. Camb. R. 3. 20 [Balade of Love) ; Adds. 29729.

8. Ballade per Antiplirasim.^

Beg. Vndir youre hood is but oo contenance ; 5 stanzas of 8 lines.
MS. — Kawlinson c. 48, where it follows Ale-seller.

9. Ballade to King Henry VI, on his Coronation.

Beg. Moost noble Prynce of cristin prynces aPe ; 16 stanzas of 8 lines,
MSS. — rri?i. Coll. Camb. R. 3. 20 ; Harley 2251 ; Addit. 29729 ; Ash-
mole 59. Printed by Wright, Political Boons, II, 141 tf., from MS. (2).

10. Benedic Anima Mea.

Beg. 0 thou mv sonle gyf lande vnto the lord ; 22 stanzas of 8 lines.
'MSS. — Trin. Coll. Camb. R. 3. 20 [2 copies) ; Addit. 34.360 ; and Harley
2251. The last two MSS. are probably copies of the first.

11. Benedictus Dens in Donis Suis.

Beg. God departith his gyfftys dyversly ; 9 stanzas of 8 lines.
MSS. —Harley 2255 ; Laud 683.

12. Brut.

In the Harvard MS. AR 5 a copy of the common Bmt, in John Shirley'.s-
hand, lias a rubric at the place beginning with the reign of Richard II, where
the translation, from the French, of the portion following is ascribeil to Lydgate.
1 found nothing to corroborate this statement in my examination of the
translation, but leave it for others to believe or doubt. Nothing is more likely,
than that Lydgate was asked to do the work.

1 Not in Trin. Coll. Camb. R. 3. 20 ; as stated Anglia, 28, 16.

^ As the Ballade in Co mmendatiun of O^ir Lady ; under which title I note
it below, in discussion.

^ Noted by Madden as Lydgate's. The refrain, "as I go loos and teied am
with a lyne," is also in Ti/rd with a Lyne, below. I take the title from a
rubric of Shirley's.

Genuine J'ocjus: Bycornc — Complaint. xiii

l.'V r>vcorno and Cliiclu'fiU'lic.

Bill. 0 pnideiit i'olkt-s taki'l>e hei-fl ; 19 stanzas of 7 slioil lines.

MSS. — r//;;. Coll. Ciniih. /■'..>'. „H K. 3.19 ; Hailcy 22'>l.

Printed by llalliwi'll, Minor Poems, pp. 1-^9-13.'), fVoni (3). Also in
iKHlsley's OIi/ Fhijis, eA. 1780, .\ii, 335 ; in Grnth niait's Mcujaziiie,
1836; see also Montaiglon, JlccaeU dcs po^sirs francoisrs des XV' et
XVI' sieclcs, Paris, IS^S, vol. xi, for a print of a French version of
the type of wliich Lydgate's is a translation.

14. Caiuliridge, A'ciscs on.

Beg. By trewe recorde of the do.-tor Px-de ; 13 stanzas of 7 lines.

USS.—Bakrrs MS. a, Cambridije;'^ Harley 367.-

Printed from former in Retrospective Review, 2d series, I, 498. Tin;
general style of the verses is so absolutely in harmoii}' with the lifeless-
ness of Lydgate's later work that it is impossible not to agree with
the ascription.

15. Cartae Yersificatae.

Charters of English Kings to the Abbev of Bnrv : 693 lines, in ballade.

JIS. — 15. M. Addit. 14848, fols. 243-2.'i7 (Kegi^tei of Wm. Curteys
c. 1440).

Printed from tliis by Arnold, Monvrial.s of Barii St. Edmunds, III
(1896), 215-237 (Rolls series). These are so ab-olutely in accord witli
Lydgate's style, and their dale so coincides wall Lydgate's other work
of the kind" for Curteys (see De Prqfitiuhs) that we must agree with
Jlr. Arnold in allowing Lydgate as the author. All tests of rhyme
througiiout agree in proving Lyilgate's anthordii[).

16. Child Jesus and ^lary the KiKse, The.

Beg. My fatiier above beholding thy mekenes ; 3 stanzas of 7 lines.
JIS. — llarley 2251. A charming ballade to the Virgin, which I admit
"atwixen hope and dred."

v/ 17. Churl and the Bird, The.

Bcq. Problemes of olde Ivkenes and fygures ; 54 stanzas of 7, envoy 1 of 8.

lilSS.— Trin. Coll. Camb. R. 3. 19; Lansdoinie 699; Harley 116;
Caligula A ii ; Leyden Voss. 9 ; Huth ; Balliol 354 ; Lin. Cath. C.
5. 4.

Printed by Caxton, de Worde (2), Copland, Pynson, Ashmole {Thcn-
trum Ckcmicum), Roxburghe Club, 1818 (Sykes) ; Halliwell, M. P., pp.
179-193, re-i)rint in Cambr. facsimile from Caxton. Eight leaves
only of the 2d ed. by de Worde exist. See Corser, Collai. Anglo-
Poet. Pt. viii, p. S82, for prints.

18. CDniplaint for Lack of Mercy, A.

Beg. Grettere mater of dol an[d] heuynesse ; 4 stanzas of 8 lines, with

refrain.
MS.— Univ. Lib. Canib. Ff. 1. 6, fols. 152^-153^. The poem, though

in a corrupt copy, is in Lydgate's most characteristic sty^e.

19, Complaint for My Lady of Gloucester and Iloland.
Beg. A solitary sore compleyuyng ; 18 stanzas of 7 short lines.
]^ISS.— Trin. Coll. Camb. R. 3. 20 ; Ashmole 59 (in running title).
Printed Irom (1) Anglia, xxvii, 381 f., by Miss Hammond. Written by

^ Transcribed by Stokys from an earlier codex, see Catal. v. 197.
2 Not in Harley 1704,'as Ritson tells us.

xiv Genuine Fooiis: Complaint — Decdh's Warning.

one familiar with the Duke of Gloucester's liousehokl, and in Lydgate's
maniipr. Lydgate had been employed to celebrate tlie betrothal of
the Duke and Duchess. A probable reason for the omission of
Lydgate's name in the earlier MS., written while tlie Duke was still
alive, is his probable hostility to the author of this Complaint.

20. Complaint of the Black Knight.

Beg. In May when Flora, the fresshe lusty (juene ; 681 lines, stanzas of

7 lines.
M.'SS.— Fairfax 16; Bodlev 638; Tanner 346; Digby, 181; Arch.

Selden B 2i ; B. M. Addit. 16165: Pepvs (Magdalene Coll. Camb.)

2006 ; Asloan MS., 245-246, 293-300.
Printed by de Worde (copy iu Ciiatsworth), Chepman and Myllar,

1508 {Golaffros and GoAvanc) ; Thynne 1532 in Chaucer ; and by

succeeding editors as Chaucer's: by Skeat, Oxf. Chaucer, VII, 245-

265; by Krausser, Anglia, xix, 211-290; and Halle, 1896, from al!

but last-named MS. ; modernized by Dart, 1718.

21. Consulo Quisqnis Eris.

Beg. I counceyle whafsoouer thow be ; 15 stanzas of 8 lines.

MSS.— B. M. Harlev 2255, 2251 ; Addit. 34360 ; Univ. Lib. Hh. 4. 12 ;
Trin. Coll. Camb. R. 3. 21 ; Jesus Coll. Camb. 56 ; Hodl. Arch. Selden
B 10, from de Worde's print. Pynson repeated this print, 1526.

Printed bv Halliwell fiom (1), entitled The Cmicords of Compamt, and
by Dr. Furnivall in BoL Bel. and Love Bocms (E.E.f.S.). The" Latin
couplet of which the above words are the beginning, and of which
the poem is an expansion, is usually found as rubric. The internal
evidence for Lydgate's authorsliip of this piece i-i overwhelming.

22. Criste Qui Lux Es et Dies.

Beg. 0 Criste ))at arte bo})e day and light ; 7 stanzas of 8 short lines.
MSS.— Tiin. Coll. Camb. R. 3. 20 ; Harh-y 2251. In the Bannatyne
MS. is a version a little resembling Lydgate's.

23. Cristes Passioun.

Beg. Man to refourme thyn exil and thi loos ; 15 stanzas of 8 lines.
MSS.— Hnrley 372, 7333\ Tiin. Coll. Camb. R. 3. 21 ; Univ. Lib. Cam!}.
Kk. 1. 6 ; laud 6S3 ; B. M. Addit. 31042.

24. Daunce of Machal)i'ee.

Beg. 0 ye folkes, harde hearted as a stone ; 84 stanzas of 8 lines.

MSS. — r?v'«. Coll. Ca,nb. B. 3. 21 ; Lansdowne 699 ; Leyden Voss. 9 ;
Bodley 221; Sehlen supra 53; Bodley 686; Harley 116; Files-'
mere, Corp. Chr. Coll. 237 ; Line. Cath. C. 5. 4 ; Cott. Vesp. A. xvi.

Printed in Tottell, Fall of Brince.s, 1554 ; Dugdale's St. BauVs, 1658,
p. 289 ; Modern version, see Brit. Bibl. II, 463, La Danse MacJinhre,
by W. Coleman, 1630. Editions in preparation by Miss Warren and
Miss Hammond.

25. De Profundis.

Beg. Hauyng a conseit in my sympill wyt ; 21 stanzas of 8 lines.
MSS.— //«;■/«/ 2355; Laud. '683; Jesus Coll. Camb. 56; MS. (2)
lacks two last stanzas. Written in old age for Curteys.

26. Death's Warning.

Beg. Si]j l^at ye list to set me in your bnke ; 8 stanzas of 7 lines.
MSS.— Harley 17i)6 (Nos. 11. 12); Douce 322; Univ. Lib. Camb.
Ff. V. 45. In the first two MSS. these ballades are s.iid to be taken

Genuine Poems: Defence of Holy Chnrch — Douhlcnesse. xv

out of the book of Jolin Lucas ; witli the exception of the first stanza,
howL-ver, tliey are from tlit- Fall nf J'rnicrs.^ It is not unlikely tliat
Lycl>;ate himself extnutcd them, and wrote a first stanza to acconijiany
a grisly image of deatli, like that in the Douce cojiy.

27. Defence of Holy Churcli.

Bc(j. Right mighty prince of whom the nohle fame ; 21 stanzas of 7
lines, inconiplete.

MSS.— Harley 124."., at end : Sloane 1212 (8 stanzas).

Addresiseil to a royal jiersimage, and in both MSS. with otlur pieces by
Lydgate, this jioem bears every trace of his style, both in circumlocu-
tion and in metrical tests.

28. Departyii,!;- of ChaiU'er, On the.

Beg. 0 thow liUcvna iiwene and Empyresse ; 11 stanzas <if 7 lines.

US.—B. M. Addit. liJlOo.

Printed by Dr. Furnivall in Notes and Queries, 4th Series, IX, 381 f. ,
and in his ed. of Thynne's Animadvrslons, Chaucer Society, 2d
Series, No. 13, App. YI ; and bv Miss Hammond, Modem J'hilulogif,
I, 331.

29. Deus in Nomine Tuo Salvuiu Me Fac.

Beg. God in thy name make me safe and sounde ; 8 stanzas of 8 lines.
itiSS.—Ashmole 59 ; Caligula A ii ; Harley 2..'o5 ; Harley 116.

30. Dietary, A.

Beg. For helih of bodv cover for cold thvn hede ; 11 stanzas of 8 lines.

MSS.— ia»4 GSS ; Bodlcij 6S6, 638, 48 ; Addit. B 60 (29179) ; Ashmole 61 ;
Rawlinson A653, C. 48, C. 86 ; Harley 4011, 22r)2, 2251, 941, lir,, 989 ;
Stow 982 ; Sloane 775, 3534 (with Latin), 989 ; Arundel 168 ; Lambeth
444, 853 ; B. M. Addit. 34360, 10099, 31042, 11307 ; Cal. A ii ; Scotch
texts in St. John's Camb. G. 23 ; Bannatyne MS., and McCullocli MS.
(Univ. Lib. Edin.). Others are Hawkins MS. in Phillipps sub. cat.
p. 67 (1895) ; Trinity College, Dublin, 516 ; Soc. of Anti.i. 101: 15. M.
Egerton 1995 ; Bodley, Rawl. poet. 34 ; Lansdowne 699 ; Leyden
Yoss. 9 ; Jestts Coll. Camb. 56 ; Univ. Coll. Oxf. 60.

Printed by Caxton as Medicina Stomarhi, by Halliwell from Harley
2251 ; Dr. Furnivall, Babees Bool; E.E.T.S. (Lambeth 853 ; Latin of
Sloane 3534); Dr. Skeat from St. John's iu ed. of Bruce, S.T.S. ;
Hunterian Club ed. of Bannatyne MS.

The poem is much changed in later texts.

31. Doctrine for Pestilence, A.

Beg. Who wil ben hole and kepe hym fro syknes.se ; 4 stanzas of 8 lines.

^laS.—Laud 6S3; Jeans Coll. Camb. 56; Bodley, Rawl. c. 86, in (1)
following the Dietary, iu (2) and (3) preceding it without separation.
In Leyden JISS. 9 and Lansdowne 699, this ballade is attached to the
Dietary with additional stanzas between, pcrhajis by Lydgate. The
original of the ballade is probably art. 21, Trin. Coll. Camb. R. 3. 20,
a French ballade.

32. DonMcnes.^e.

Beg. This world is ful of variaunce ; 13 stanzas of 8 snort lines.
MSS.— -B. M. Addit. 16165 ; Harley 7578 ; Ashmole 59 (long lines at

first, by padding) ; Fairfax 16.
Printed in 1561 Chaucer, etc., and Oxford Chancer, YII, 291.

1 Lucas was probably a scribe. He wrote MS. Sloane 1212, which contains
Lydgatc's work.

xvi Gemiine Poems: Duodecim Ahusiones — Fifteen Joys.

33. Duodecim Abusioxies.

Beg. Go forthe, Icing, reiile the bv sapience : 2 stanzas of 8 lines.
Printed by Caxton, W. de WJide (2); Chancer 1561, 1598; Bell's
Chaucer ; Tem'ph'. of Glas, App. II ; Oxford Chaucer, vol. VII, q. v.

34. Entry into London, King Henry VI's Royal.

Beg. Toward tlieeude of wyndy February ; 544 lines, with a roundel.

MSS.— i/rt/7c.!/ .5(J.5 ; Cotton, Julius B II ; Cleopatra C. IV.

Printed by Ilalliwell, 3Iiii. Poems, from (3) ; by C. L. Kingsford,

Chronicles of London, 1905,97-116, from (2) ; by Nicolas, Chronicle of

London, 1827, from (1).
The Koundel in the poem corrected and piinted bv Sclileich, Archiv,

96, 191-194.

35. Example.s Against Women.

Beg. To Adam and Eue Crist gave the soueraignte ; 15 stanzas of 7 lines.
MS. — Digby 181. Ten stanzas, those on Adam and Samson, are from

The Fall of Princes, altered ; the others were probably added by

Lydgate.

."56. Falnila Duorum ]\Iercatornm.

Beg. In Egipt wliilom as I rede and fynde ; 910 lines in rhyme royal.
MSS.— Zrar% 2255, 2251 ; B. M. Addit. 34360 ; Lansilowne 699 ; Leyden

Voss. 9 ; Rawl. poet. 32.
Printed by Zupitza-Schleich,Wien, 1897, Quellenu. Forschungen, vol. 83.

37. Fall of Princes.

Beg. He that whilom did his dili|;ence ; 36316 lines in 7 and 8 line
stanzas (Koeppel, ji. 87. Miscalled by him and others Falls).

MSS.— Harley 1245, 1766, 3486, 4197, 4205, 4260 ; Royal 18 B xxxi, 18
D iv, 18 D V ; B. M. Addit. 21410 ; Phillipi.s, Longleat. Rutland,
Jersey, Glasgow, Mostyn ; Lambeth 254 ; Bodlev 263 ; e Museo 215 ;
Plimpton (New York); Hatton 105 ; Corj). Chr. Oxf. 242 ; two owned
bv Quaritch ; Glasgow Univ. ; Rawl. C. 448. Fragments in numerous
MSS. Trin. Coll. R. 3. 19, 20; Ashmole59; Popys 2006; McClcan
182; Harley 2202, 2251; Sloane 1825 (90b); Harley 4011; Arch.
Selden B 10. A fragment beginning "Al thow so be in every maner
age," often cited as an independent i)oem, is in Harley 172; Ashmole
59 (even Miss Hammond errs, in Iier iirticle on Ashmole 59, Anglia,
XXX, 324, No. 11). and elsewhere. The liallade on Women's Chastity,
which Professor Skeat proved by examination of final -e, to be " mueh
later than Lydgate," is from Book III, v. Book I, chaps. 3-7 is in
Sloane 2452.

See also under Death's IVarning, and Examples Against Women, and
also Schick, Temple of (Has, p. cii, and Anglia, xxviii, 19-20.

Printed by R. Pvnson, 1494 (with the extremely crood Envoy of Greene-
acres). 1527 ; -Totfell, 1554 ; Wayland, 155S ; Extracts by de Worde,
1510 (Proverbs of Lydgate).

38. Fall of Princes in Oure Dayes, The Sodeine.^

Beg. Beholde this gret prynce Edwarde the secounde ; 7 stanzas of 7 lines.
MSS.— rrm. Coll. Camb. 21. 3. 20; Harley 2251 ; Addit. 29729.

39. Fifteen Joys and Fifteen Sorrows of Mary.

Beg. Atween mydnyht and the fressh morwe gray ; 72 stanzas of 7 lines.
IISS.— Harley 2255 ; Jesus Coll. Camb. 56 ; Trin. Coll. Camb. R. 3. 21 ;
Lon«;leat 258 ; Bodley 686. Part in Cotton, App. xxvii, art. 12.

' Also called Fates of Princes. Tlie above is Shirley's title.

Genvine roems: Fifteen Joys — Gentlewoman's. xvii

40. Fifteen Joys of Mary (II).

Beg. IMessed lady o iiryncesse of iiiercv ; 27 stanzas of 7 lines.
MSS.— Co/^OH Titus A xxvi ; Tnn. Coll. Canib. li. S. 21.

41. Fifteen Goes (( )oes of Christ).

Be(f. 0 blyssid lord my lord 0 Crist lesu; 42 stanzas of 8 lines.
MSS.— Z,a«(/ 6S3 \ Rawl. c. 48 ; Harlai 2255 ; B. M. Addit. 29720 ;

Jos. Coll. Cam. 56.
A Sooteh version different from tliis is in Arundel 285, and another

M.K. nu'trioal version in Kawl. poet. 32. A prose translation is in

Harley 172, with an interesting prologue.

\'l. Fifteen Tokny.s aH'orn tlie Doom.

lii-q. As the doctour sanctus leronimus ; 11 stanzas of 8 lines.

MS.— Harley 2255.

Printed by Wright, Chester Plays, Shakespeare Society Series, 1847,

vol. II, pp. 222-224.
These stanzas bear every indication of Lydgatian authorship, both in

metre and style. See further, Koeppel, Anglia, Anzciger, 24, 55, who

argues for Lydgate's authorship.

43. Flemynges, Ballade in Despyte of the (1424).

Beg. Oft" stryvys new, and fraudulent falsnesse ; 5 stanzas of 8 lines.

MS. — Lambeth Pal. 84. Pr. by Fr. Ihie, in his edition of The Brut,
E.E.T.S., 1909, pp. 600-1, as anonymous. I have no hesitation iu
declaring it to be Lydgate's. For my proof, -see mv article iu Anglia,
April, 1910.

44. Flour of Curtesye.

Beq. In Fevrier whan the frosty mone ; 270 lines of 7 lines with ballade.
Printed by Thynne, 1532, etc.; Oxford Chaucer, VII, 266-274. No MS.
known.

45. Four Things that Make a Man a Fool.

Beg. Worsh3'p, woninien, wyne, vnweldy age ; 3 stanzas of 7 lines, stans.
2 and 3 attributed to Halsham b}- Siiirlev.

MSS.— Fairfax 16; Harley 7578, 4731 ;" Harley 116; A.shmole 59;
Addit. 16165 ; Harley 2251 ; and Addit. 34360 (1 stanza) ; Trin.
Coll. Camb. R. 3. 19, B. 3. 20. The first stanza rewritten in Stow
1561, from Addit. 29729 ; Oxford Chcmcer, YII, 297 ; with a stanza of
7 lines from (10) added, beg. " If it lie falle," etc. See under Tyed vilh
a Lijiie.

46. Friend at Xeode, A.

Beg. Lite whan Aurora of Tytan toke leve ; 17 stanzas of 7 lines.
?klS. — Ashmole 59.

47. Gaude Virgo Mater Christi.

'O

Beq. Be gladde niayde moder of cryst lesu • 7 stanzas of 7 lines.
MSS.— Tr/n. Cull. Camb. B. 3. 2U ; Harley 2251.

48. Gentlewoman's Lament, A.

Beg. Alias I wooful cryature ; 7 stanzas of 8 lines.

MSS. — rn?(. Coll. Camb. B. 3. 20; Harley 2251 ; pr. Hulliwell.

Koe[ipel, Falls, 1883, ]s. 76, thinks this is spurious, but I duubt his

logic. There is no reason why Lydgate could not write in a woman's

person.

xviii Genuine Poems: Gloriosa — How the Plage.

49. Gloriosa dicta sunt De Te.

Beg. On hooly hilles wheeche beojie of gret Rennun ; 29 stanzas of 8 lines,
MSS. — Trm. Coll. Cavib. R. 3. 20-, B. M. Addit. £9739, 34360 ; Harley
2251, 3^55.

50. Gloucester's Marriage, On.

Beg. Thorugh gladde aspectis of >e god Ciipyde ; 27 stanzas of 7 lines,

1 of 8.
MSS.—Trin. Coll. Camb. R 3. 20 ; Harley 2251.
Printed by Miss Hammond, Anglia, xxvii, 385.

51. God is myn Helpere.

Beg. God is myn helpere and ay shal be ; 13 stanzas of 8 short lines.
MS,.— Harley 2255. Line 89 is identical with 1. 1 of Say the Best.

52. Guy of Warwick.

Beg. From tyme of Crist complete iiyne hundred yere ; 69 stanzas of 8
(1 of 9), envoy of 4 lines, in all 592 or 565 lines (two versions).

M&9>.—Laud G83; Leyden Voss. 9; Harley 7333; Harvard UnivcrsiUf
AR5; Lansdowne 699 ; Trin. Coll. Camb. R. 3. 21.

Printed from (1) by Zupitza, Akademieschrift, Wien, 1873, Ixxiv, 623,
aiid separately ; from (5) by F. N. Robinson, Harvard Studies and.
Notes, V, 177-220 (his numbering of lines is wrong).

53. Haste, A Ditty upon.

Beg. All haste is odious whereas discrecioun ; 17 stanzas of 8 lines.
MSS.— Rawl. c. 86 ; Harley 2251 ; Univ. Lib. Camb. Kk. 1. G ; Harlev

78.

54. Holy Meditation, A.

Beg. Affter the stormy tyme ccssing the reyne ; 182 lines of heroic

couplets.
Tsm^.—Ashmole 59 ; Trin. Coll. Camb. R. 3. 20.

55. Horns away.

Beg. Of god and kynd procedeth al beaute : 10 stanzas of 8 lines.
MSS.— Laud 683 ; Harley 2251, 2255 ; Addit. 34360 ; Ashmole 59 ;

Univ. Lib. Camb. Hh. iv, 12; Jesus Coll. 56; Trin. Coll. R. 3. 19;

Rawl. c. 86 ; Leyden Voss. 9.
Printed from (3) by Sir H. Nicolas in Gkron. of London, 1827 ; by Halli-

woW—Rel. Ant. I, 74 ; Minor P. of Lyd.,' 1840 ; by Furnivall, Pol.,

Bel. and Love Poems, E.E.T.S., re-ed. 1903.

56. Horse, Goose, and Sheep, Debate between the.

Beg. Controversies jdeis and alle discorde ; 77 stanzas of 7 lines, envoy
15 of 8 lines, in all 659.

MSS.— Rawl. c. 86; Lamb. 306; Leyden Voss. 9; Harley 2251 ; Lans-
downe 699 ; Addit. 34360 ; Ashmole 50, 754 ; Rawl. c. 48 ; Laud 598 ;
Huth MS.

Printed by Caxton, de Worde (repr. Roxburghe Club), by Furnivall
in Pol., Rcl. and Love Poems, by Degenhart in Miinchencr Beitrdae,
1900.

57. How the Plage was Sesyd in Eonie.

Beg. So noble medesyne ne so souverayne ; 6 stanzas of 8 lines.
MS.— Addit. 29729 (not certainly Lydgate's, howevei).

J

Genuine Poems: Image — Legend. xix

58. Image of Our Lady, < Mi tlio.

Beg. Beholde and se tliis gloriows fygure ; 5 stanzas of 8 lines.
M^.—B. M. Addit. Jli7-^'d.

>/ 59. Isopes Fabules.

Beg. Wisdom is more of pris than gold in coffres ; 959 lines of rhyme

royal ; introduction and seven tables.
ilSS.— Harley 2-2.S1 (7 fables) ; Trin. Coll. Camb. R. 3. 19 (6 fables) ;

Ashmolc59 (1 fable).
Printed from (1 ) by Sauerstcin, 1885 ; from others by Zupitza, Archiv, 85.

1-24. Zupitza by an oversight missed fables (5) and (6) in MS. (2).

60. Jak Hare.

Brg. A froward knave plainly to discryve ; 7 stanzas of 8 lines.
MSS.— Zrt(/(/ (JSJ : Harley 2251 ; Lansdowne 699 ; Leyden Voss. 9.
Printed from (2) by Wright, Bd. Antiqua, I, 13 ; Halliweirs Minor

Poems, pp. 52-55.
The version in Lansdowne and Leyden has three probably spurious

stanzas.

61. Kalemlare, A.

Beg. Icsu Lord ! for thy holy circumcision ; 51 stanzas of 7, one of 8

lines.
MSS.— Harley 1706, 4011 ; Longleat 258; Rawlinson 408 ; Douce 322,

229 ; Lambeth 878.
Printed from (2), (4), (5), by Horstmann, Archiv, 80, 115-135. Lydgate

probably only re- vamped an earlier doggerel te.xt.

62. Kings of England Sitlien AVilliani ConqiieroTir, Tlie.

Beg. This myghty William Duk of Normandy ; 15 stanzas of 7 lines.

AISS. — Bodley 6S6 ; AshmoIe59 ; Lansdowne 699; Leyden Voss. 9; Harley
7333 ; Jesus Coll. Camb. 56 ; Eawl. c. 48 ; Har/ei/ 7S ; Fairfa.r 16 (down
to Henry VI) ; Trin. Coll. Camb. R. 3. 21 ; Egerton 1995 (heading for
Edward IV, and stanza on Henry VI re-written) ; Harley 2251. Addit.
31042 and 34360 (have stanza on Edward IV) ; Kegius 18 D ii (down to
Henry VIII) ; Bodley 1999 ; Coll. of Arms 58 ; Rawl. c. 448 ; c. 86 ;
Bodley 48, 131, 912; Tanner 383; Ashmole 456; Cott. Julius E iv
and V ; Bodley Addit. E 7, and Douce g. 2 (rolls) ; Caius Coll.
Camb. 249 (to Henry V) ; Harley 372 (Alfred to Henry VI) ; Stow 69
(frag.).

Several of the above MSS. have little left of Lydgate's original lines,
though they are imitations.

63. Lavenders, Treatise for.

Beg. Yee maisteresses myne and cleuly chambererys ; 3 stanzas of

7 lines.
MSS.— Univ. Lib. Camb. Ff. 1. 6 ; last stanza in Harley 2251 ; Addit.

34360.
Printed by Wright, Bel Ant. I, 26 ; by Steele, Academy, 1894, I,

p. 395. Perhaps written for Lady Sibille Boys, or some other Suffolk

dame.

6-i. Legend of Dan Joos.

Beg. 0 welle of swetnesse replete in euerv veyne ; 16 stanzas of 7 lines.

MSS.— Harley 2251 ; Trin. Coll. Camb. "R. 3. 21 (2 copies).

Piinted by Halliwell, Minor Poems 62 ff., by Horstmann, Chaiuxr

Society, Onginais and Analogues, III.
In Lydgate's best manner, but preserved in poor texts.

XX Genui7ie Poems: Letahundus — Masse.

65. Letabundus, On.

Beg. Grounde take in vertu b}^ patriarkys olde ; 39 stanzas of 8 lines.
im?>.—narley 2255 ; Trin. Coll. Camb] R. 3. 21 ; Jes. Coll. 56.

66. Letter to Gloucester.

Beg. Ripht mighty prince and it be your wille ; 8 stanzas of 8 lines.
l\&S,.~Harlcy 2251, 2255; Addit. 34360; Lansdoicne 699; Leyden

Voss. 9 ; Fepys 2011.
Printed by Sir H. Xicolas, Chronicle of London, 1827 ; Halliwell, Minor

Poems, pp. 49-51.

67. Letter to Lady Sibille (Lady Sibille Boys, of Holm Hale?).

Beg. The chief gynnyng of grace and of vertue ; 20 stanzas of 7 lines.
MS.—Jshmole 59.

68. Life of Our Lady, The.

Beg. 0 thoughtful herte plonged in distresse ; 5936 lines, rhyme ro.yal.

MSS.— B.M. Sloane 1785, 1825 (part) ; Arundel 66 ; Cotton App. VIII ;
Harley 629, 1304, 3362, 2382, 3952, 4011, 4260, 5272; Addit. 19252,
19432 ; Lambeth 344 ; Advocates' Lib. Edin. Jac. v. 7 (part) ; Ash-
mole 39, 59 ; Bodley 75, 120 ; Rawl. poet. 140 ; St. John's Coll. Oxf.
56 ; Hatton 73 ; Corp. Chr. 61, 237 ; Cambridge Trin. Coll. R. 3. 21,
R. 3. 22 ; Caius Coll. 230 (JMagnificat, ch. xxii), which belonged to
Whethamstede of St. Alban's ; Univ. Lib. Mm. 6, 15, Kk. 1. 13;
Society of Antiquaries, No. 134 (begins at chap, xiii) ; Amies MS.
(Univ. California) ; Cockerell MS. (Cambridge) ; 1 leaf (frag.) iu
Sloane 297.

Printed l>y Caxton, Eedman, C. E. Tame. Parts in Bannatyne MS.
(Magnificat) and Huth JIS. (beginning Book II). Everywhere ascribed
to Lydgate. The parts in the Edinburgh cojiy were printed anonym-
ously in Fisio Tundali, ed. Turnbull, 'lS43, and commented on by
Brandl,! as original poems of the later 15th century, and as continuing
the mysticism of the West ]\lidland school. l\Ir. Sidney Lee, in his
article on Lydgate in the Diet. Nat. Biog., says Harley 2382 has
"two extra books." This is quite wrong; the two poems which
follow the Life are earlier ])oeins on Mary ; one is on the Assumption,
the other a prayer. They aie in no sense a continuation of the Life.
An eilition of the whole poem was long ago announced bv Fiedler,
Anglia, xv, 391. Tame's edition was lost in a fire (copy in Brit. Mus.).

69. LoKE IX Thy Merour, and Deme jS^one other Wight.

Beg. Toward the ende of frosty Jannarv ; 27 stanzas of 8 lines.
Isl&^.—Harlry 2255 \ Trin. Coll Canib. R. 3. 21 ; Rawl. c. 86; Arch.

Seidell B in ; I'hillipps 8299 ; Jesus Coll, Caml.. 56.
Printed by de Worde {LydycUes Proverbs) ; Halliwell, Minor Poems,

156-164.

70. Masse, Yertues of the.

Beg. Ye that I'Ctli of good devofyon ; 83 stanzas of 8 lines.

U^S>.— Harley 2251 ; Addit. 34860 (part) ; St. John's College, 0xf.56\
Trin. Coll. Cavib. R. 3. 21 ; Llatton 73 ; Ashmole 59 (part) ; Addit.
31042 (part); Lambeth 344; Balliol 354; Laud 6S3 (part); Rawl.
poet. 118 (part); Caius 174 (part); Jes. Coll. 56 (part). The piece
On Kissing at Verbimi caro- Factum est (pr. M,P., p. 60), is an appendix
to tins poem, as are the Instructions to Priests, in MSS. (4), (9), and (12).

Printed by de Worde ; reprinted from this liy Huth, Fugitive Tracts,
1st Series.

Paul's Grundriss, etc., II, 693.

Genuine Poema: Mci^urc — 3fiimininf/. xxi

71. Mcsiin", Soim iif -'"st.

£eg. V>y witto of nuui altliyiige that is contryved ; 10 or 13 stanzas of 8

lines.
MSS.— Harley 2251, Jddit. 29720.
Tiinted from former MS. by Halliwoll, Minor Poems, 80-83.

72. Mosure is Tresour.

Beg. lieu wryte of oolil how inosour is tresour ; 19 stanzas of 8 lines.

US.— Harlcy 22.55.

Printed by Halliwell, Minor Poems, 208-213.

73. Millers and IJakors, Against.

Beg. Put out his bed Ivst not for to dare ; 3 stanzas of 8 lines.

MS.—Harlty 2255.

Printed by Nicolas, 1827, and Halliwell, M.P., p. 207.

74. jNIiracles of St. Edmund.

Beg. Laude of our lord up to the hevene is reysed ; 464 lines of 8 line

stanza.
MSS. — Cotton, Titus A viii ; Ashniole 46 ; Laud 6S3 ; Tanner 347.
Printed by Horstinanu, Altcaglischc Legemien, 1882, 440 11'.

75. Misericordias Domini in Eternum Cantabo.

Beg. Alle goostly songes and ynipnes that be songe ; 24 stanzas of 8

lines.
US?,. —Hurley 2255 ; Jesus Coll. Camb. 56 ; Trin. Coll. Camb. R. 3. 21.

76. Mumming at Bishopswood.

Beg. Myghtv Flourra goddes of fresshe floures ; 16 stanzas of 7 lines.
MS.—Ashviolc 59.
Printed in Nicolas, Chronicle of Lomlon, 1827.

77. ^[umming at Eltham.

Beg. Biirhus which is god of |)c glade vvne ; 98 lines of rhyme roval.
MSS. — 2Viw. Coll. Camb. 11. 3. 20; B.^U. Addit. 29729.
Printed by Brotanek, Die Englischen Maskcnspiele, 1902.

78. Munnning at Hertford.

Beg. Moost nolile pryiice with support of your grace ; 254 lines in

heroic coujdet.
MS. — Trin. Coll. Camb. B. 3. 20 ; Adds. 29729.
Printed Anglia, xxi, 364 ft".

79. Mumming at London.

Beg. Loo her this lady that yee may se ; 342 lines in short couplets.
USS. — Trin. Coll. Camb. B. 3. 20; B. M. Addit. 29729.
■ Printed by Brotanek, loc. cit,

80. Mumming at "Windsor.

Beg. Mooste noble prynce of Cristen prynces alle ; 14 stanzas of 7 lines.
MSS. and print as above.

81. Mumming for the ^Mercers of Lomlon.

Beg. Moost mighty lord, Jubyter ])e greet ; 15 stanzas of 7 lines.
MSS. and print as above.

xxii Genuine Poeins: Mumming — Order.

82. Mumming for the Goldsmiths of London.

Beg. ))at wor>y david, which ))at sloughe Golye ; 14 stanzas of 7 lines.
MSS. and print as above.

83. My Lady Dere.

Beg. Every maner creature ; 15 stanzas of 8 short lines.

W^'&.—Addit. 16165 ; Ashmole 59 ; Harley 367.

Printed by Dr. Furnivall with Departyng of Chaucer, q. v.^ The rubrics
in both cases assign the piece as companion to Departyng of Chaucer,
but it is obviously a mere lover's lament. The conYusion probably
arose m A. 1616.5 or some source of it, from its being next the Departyng.
See Kcic Years Gift, for another instance of this error in the same
MS.

84. Mydsomer Eose, As a.

Beg. Lat no man boost of kunnyng nor vertu ; 15 stanzas of 8 lines.
MSS.— Harley 2251, 2255 ; Ashmole 59 ; Univ. Lib. Camb. Hh. iv, 12 ;

Jesus Coll. Cambridge, 56 ; Trin. Coll. R. 3. 21; Regius 18 A. xiii (4 11.).

Phillipps 8299.
Printed by Tliomas Gray ( IVorks, 1st collected edition) ; Halliwell,
Minor Poems [On Midability of Human Affairs).

85. New Year's Gift, A Lover's.

Beg. In honnour of this heghe fest of custume yere by yere ; 29 stanzas
of 3, with a refrain of 2 lines.

MS.— B. M. Addit, 16165, 253b, entitled, Amerous halade by Lydegatc
that hape loste his thank of u-ymmcn. If this rubric refers to the
theme of the poem, it is surely intended for The Servant of Cupid
Forsaken, the next piece in the MS. This poem is a conventional
New Year's Gift, and no lament. See on My Lady Dere.

Printed m Wiq Jour , nil of Eng. and Germ. Philology, Amer., March 1909,
under tlie absurd title of a New Year's Valentine. But compare the
title of W. Cartwright's poem, A Nexo Year's Gift to Brian Lord
Bishop of Sarum, Ward, Eng. Poets, II, 231. Tlie A'ew Year's Gift
was one form of occasional verse, the Valentine another.

86. New Year's Gift of an Eagle, On a.

Big. }>is hardy foole, J)is brydde victoryous ; 11 stanzas of 7 lines.
MSS. — 2'?-»i. Coll. Camb. 11. S. 20; Harley 2251 ; Addit. 29729.
Printed by Halliwell, Minor Poems, pp. 213-216, from (2).

J 87. Nightingale, A Saying of the.

Beg. In Juygne whan Tytan was in ])e Crabbes hed ; 379 lines of rhyme

royal, probably unfinished.
MSS. — rrm. Cull. Camb. R. .3. 20 ; Harley 2251 ; Addit. 29729.
Printed by Glauning, E.E.T.S., 1904, from MSS. (2) and (3).

88. Nine Properties of Wine, The.

Beg. Wyne of nature hath propirties nyne ; 1 stanza of 8 lines.
MSS.— Addit. 10106 and 29729 ; Harley 2252.

Printed in Beliquiw Antiqiue, I, 325, and in Secrees, etc., ed. Steele for
E.E.T.S., 1895. Latin original, 6 lines, in Trin. Coll. Camb. 0. 9. 38.

89. Order of Fools, The.

Beg. The ordre of fooles ful yoore ago begonne ; 24 stanzas of 8 lines.
MSS.— Hariey 2251; B.M. Addit. 34360, Laud 683; Cotton, Nero A vi.i

Bodley, 638 (part).
Printed from (1) by Halliwell, M.P., p. 164, from (4) by Furnivall,

Book of Precedence, E.E.T.S., 1869.

^ Not printed by Miss Hammond, as she says, Anglia, xxx, 324.

Genuine Poems: Payeant — Prayer. xxiii

90. Pageant of Knowledge, A.

Beg. Thys workle is borne up by astatcs seuyii ; st:inzas of 7 lines.

MS. — Tiin. Coll. L^imb. K. 3. 21 (complete). The Seven H'ixe Counsels,
which is ])art of this Pageant, is in Hailcy 116 ; Arumiel 168 ; Harley
2251, 4733 ; Univ. Lib. Canib. Ff. 1. 6, and is printed by Fitrster,
Archil; 104, 297 tf. with collation. He was ignorant of the Trinity
text, which would have set the order of stanzis right ; as it is, the stanza
for Temperance is under the heading for Sapience and viceversd. Four
stanzas are in the Bokeof Bronw, pr. Miss Toulmin Snuth, 1886, p. 19.

The reason for ascribing the entire Pageant to Lydgate is the uniform
style of the entire piece, and the fact that the latter part of it appears
as a separate poem in Harley 2.i55. and in Jesus Coll. Camb. 56 ;
Rawl. c. 86; Univ. Lib. Camb. Hh. 4. 12; Harley 2251 (printed Halliwell,
Mill. Poem.'i, pp. 193-8). My title is derived from the use of the word
pagiue, in one heading of R. 3. 21, which points to a presentation of
the whole as a school play, like its original by Ausonius.

91. Paternoster, Expo.sitioii of th(\

Beg. Atwixe drede and trembling Reverence ; 42 stanzas of 8 lines.
USS.— Laud GS3 ; Harley 2255 ; Jes. Coll. Camb. 56.

92. Paternoster, qui es in celis.

Beg. Oure glorious fadvr l)at art in heven : 7 stanzas of 8 short lines.
MS. — Trin. Coll. Camb. B. S. 21.

93. Payne and sorow of Evyll Maryage.

Beg. Glory and honour, laud, and reverence ; 22 stanzas of 7 lines.

MSS.— Bodl. Digby 181 ; Harley 2251 ; Un. L. Cam. Ff. 1. 6. Printed
by de Worde with above title ; reprinted Hazlitt, Earhj Pop. Poetry,
IV ; Percy Soc. 1840 ; "Wright, Poems of W. Mapis, Camden Soc.
1841. A translation from Mapes, with Lydgate's sign-manual upon it.

94. Peace, A Praise of.

Beg. Mercy and Trouthe mette on an hih mounteyn ; 2-3 stanzas of 8 lines.

MS>^.— Harley 2255 ; Jesus Coll. Camb. 56.

Printed by Wright, Political Poems and Songs, Rolls Series, II, 209 ff.

95. Pedigree of Henry YI, The Title and.

Beg. Troubled hertes to setten in qnyete ; 314 lines of heroic couplets.
},IS.— Harley 7333. Printed by Wright, Pol. Poems, II, 131 ff.

96. Pilgrimage of the Life of ^Nfan, The.

Beg. Ye worldly folk avyse yow betymes ; 24832 lines in short couplets,

heroic couplets and prose.
MSS.— Cotton, Yitellius C xiii, Tiberius A vii ; Stowe 952. Edited from

these MSS. by Dr. Furnivall, E.E T.S., E.S., 77, 83, 92; with

introduction, etc., by Miss K. Locock.

97. Prayer for King, Queen and People.

Beg. Most soueieyne lord, and blisfu! crist lesu ; 12 stanzas of 8 lines.

MSS.— Harley 2251; Addit. 34-360; Fairfax 16; Harley 7578; Trin.
Coll. Camb. R. 3. 21 (2 copies).

Printed from (4) in Reliquiae Antiqum, I, 227. In (1) (2) and (5)
9 stanzas, altered to tit Edward IV, (5) Adds F^nvoy of Lak of
Stedfastnesse. The original was intended for Henry VI and his
motlier. The refrain of the poem is quoted by Shirley in his transla-
tion of the Governance of Pririccs, B. M. Addit. 5467, and in the
Ellesmere Lyilgate MS., and the poem is in the former MS. ascribed
to Lydgate. Shirley is undoubtedly right.

xxiv Genuine Poems: Prayer — Rhyme.

98. Prayer in Old Age.

Beg. All the trespas of my tondre youtlie ; 4 stanzas of 8 lines.

MSS.— Hatton 73 ; Lambeth 344. " The first stanza is identical with one
in the Verses of St. Bernard, and the rest are exactly in I-ydf^ate's
manner. °

99. Prayer to' Mary, in whose Help is Affiaunce.

Beg. O swettest bawme of grettest excellence ; 3 stanzas of 8 lines.
MS.— Rawl. C. 48. Agrees perfectly with Lydgate's frequent poems in
this theme.

100. Procession at Corpus Cliristi.

Beg. J)is hye feste for to magnefye ; 28 stanzas of 8 lines.
MSS.— Trm. Coll. Camb. E. 3. SO ; Harley 2251 ; Addit. 29729.
Printed by Hallnvell from (2), M.P., p. 95.

101. Pyte of Crystes Passioiin, The Dolorous.

Beg. Erly on morwe and toward uvght also ; 7 stanzas of 8 lines.
M^.—Laud 683.

102. Pyte to the Wretched Synner, Tlie.

Beg. 0 wretched synner whatsoever thou be ; 4 .stanzas of 8 lines.
MSS.— Ashmole 59 ; ykldit. 29729.

103. Qiiene of Hevene, To Mary the.

Brg. Queue of hevene of helle cek emperesse ; 10 stanzas of 8 lines.
MSS.— Jesus Coll. Camb. 56 ; ffarleij 22'>o ; Hatton 73 ; Lambeth 344 ;

Laud GS3 ; Tanner 110 (2 copies) ; Trin. Coll. Camb. Tl. 3. 21 ; Univ'

Lib. Camb. Kk. 1. 6 ■ Rawl. C. 48 ; Laud 598.

104. Quis Dahit ^leo Capiti Fontem Lacrimarum.

Beg. Who shal give vnto myn hed a welle ; 19 stanzas of 8 lines.
MSS. —Harley 2255 : Lavd GS3 ; Jesus Coll. Camb. 56 ; St. John's Coll
■ Oxf. 66 ; Harley 2251.

Printed by Holthausen, Festschrift for the German Emperor's Birthday
1908, from 1.

105. Regina Celi Letare.

Beg. 0 thow ioyfull lyght eternall ye shyne ; 5 stanzas of 8 lines.
MSS.— Trin. Coll. Camb. R. 3. 21 ; Harley 2251. A companion-piece to

Ave regina celorum. A ditierent piece with the same refrain is in

Univ. Lib. Camb. Kk. 1. 6.

106. Rcsoun and Sensiiallyte.

Beg. To alle folkys vertuouse ; 7040 lines in short couplets, incomplete.
MSS. — Fairfax 16 (not Shirley's MS. as Sieper says) : Addit. 29729

(Stow, 1558).
Edited by E. Sieper, E.E.T.S., E.S., 87, 89. See his introduction on

style, metre, etc.

107. Ehynie without Accord.

Beg. All thyng in kynde desirith thyng i-like ; 11 stanzas of 8 lines.
MSS.— Harley 2251 ; Maitland Folio MS. ; Bannatyne MS. 1568.
Printed Chepman and Myllar 1508, repr. Pinkerton ; Halliwell, Minor

Poems, from (1) pp. 55-58 [On the Inconsistency of Men's Actions).

Close parallels are the Order of Fools, and TlveyThal No While Endure.

Genuine Fvcms: Roundel — St. Edmund. xxv

108. Kouiulel fdi- Coruiuitinn of llcinv W.

Jnd. Rejoice ve Reanu-s of England ami oil' Fraunce ; 10 lines.
MS.—IIarleiirJJJ.

Printed by Ritson, Ancient Songs, I, 128 ; by Sir Harris Nicolas, 1823,
Chronicle of London ; Wright, Political Poems, II. 314.

109. Ry<,'ht a.s a Rannnes Home.

AV(/. Alle ryghtwysiies now dothe precede ; 7 stanzas of 8 lines.

MSS.— Harl. 22.^1 (frag.); 4011 (frag); 17;2 ; Lansdowne 409; Ash-
niole 61 ; EUesniere ; JJodlry OSG ; Adds. 297^9 ; Bannatyne. Printcil
from (3) by Halliwell, M.P., 171-173 ; from 8 by the Hunterian Club,
and by Lord Hailes, 1770, p. 165.

110. St. Albon and St. Ainpha1)el, Lives of.

Beii. To call Clio my diilnesse to redres.se ; 4724 lines of 7 and 8 line

stanzas.
'i\S^.—Lmudownc (',91 \ Trin. Coll. Oxf. 38; Thillipps 8299; Lincoln

Cathedral, C. 5. 4 ; Inner Temple 511 ; Talbot Hours in the Yates

Thompson Library (fiag.)-
Printed at St. Alban's, revised, 1534 ; by Horstmaun from this with

collations, 1883.

111. St. Anne, Invocation to.

Bcq. Thow first moever |)at causest alle thyng ; 11 stanzas of 7 lines.
yi'i^.—Ashmolc 59 ; Addit. 1G1G5.

112. St. Anne, Praise of.

Beg. He that intendetli in his hert to seke ; 2 stanzas of 7 lines.
MSS.— Harley 22.^)1 ; Trin. Coll. Camb. R. 3. 21.
Probably Lydgate's, but preserved in corrupt texts.

113. St. Austin at Compton, Legend of.

Beg. Lyk as the Bible maketh mencion ; 57 stanzas of 7 lines.

JISS.— iTrtrZe.?/ J-'oo ; Univ. Lib. Camb. Hh. iv, 12 ; Lincoln Cath. C.

5, 4 ; Lansdowne 699 ; Leyden Voss. 9 ; Harley 4826.
Printed at St. Austiu's, Canterbury, 4to, before 1520 (no copy known) ;

by Halliwell, M.P., p. 135 f., from (1).

1 1 -i. St. Bernard, Verses of.

Beg. 0 sothfast sonne of al brightnesse ; 11 stanzas of 8 lines, originally.
liZ9,.—Laud 6S3 ; Addit. 297-29 ; Univ. Lib. Camb. Kk. 1. 3. The later
copy is enlarged, in MS. (2).

115. St. Denis, Invocation to.

Beg. 0 J)ow chosen of god protectonr of ffraunce ; 9 stanzas of 8 lines, all

in 3 rhymes.
MS. — Ashmole 59.

116. St. Edmund.

Beg. Blyssyd Edmund kyug raartir and virgyne ; 3693 lines of rhyme

roval.
MSS".— Harley 2278, 7333, 4826 ; Univ. Lib. Camb. Ee. 11. 15 ; Tanner

.347 ; Harley 367 (part), 372 ; Ashmole 59, 46.
Printed by Horstmann, Altcnglivcke Legctulcn, N.F., 1882.

117. St. Edmund, A Glorious Prayer to.

Beg. Glorious Edmund kyng of Estynglond ; 12 stanzas of 8 lines.
MSS.— Zrtitrf (JS3 ; Univ. Lib. Camb. Kk. 1. V ; Harley 2255 (part).

xxvi Genuine Poems : St. Gabridl — St. Petronilla.

118. St. Gabriell, Prayer to.

Beg. Blissed Gabriel wich broughtest first tyjyng ; 1 stanza of 8 lines.
W&.— Laud 683.

119. St. George, Legend of.

Beg. 0 yee folk |)at heer present be ; 35 stanzas of 7 lines.
MSS. — TriM. Coll. Cavib. li. 3. 20, R. 3. 21; Bodley 6S6. For the
armorers of London.

120. St. Giles, Legend of.

Beg. Of Agamemnon vnder the large empire ; 46 stanzas of 8 lines.
MSS. — Laud 6SS ; Harley 2255 ; Lansdowne 699 ; Leyden Voss. 9.
Printed Horstmann, Altenglische Legenden, Neue Folge, 1882, pp. 371 ff.
Lansdowne says it was written at instance of " dom. Theodorici," perhaps
a mistake from seeing the name as Giles's father in MS.

121. Sts. Katharine, jNIargaret and Magdalene.

Beg. Kateryne with glorions Margarete ; 3 stanzas of 8 lines.
'M^.— Harley 2255 ; Jes. Coll. Cam. 56.

122. St. Leonard, To.

Beg. Reste and reffuge to folk dysconsolat ; 5 stanzas of 8 lines, 1 of 6.

m^^.— Barley 2255 ; La^id 683 ; Longleat 256 (? given in Hist. MSS.
Comm. Ill, 181, as Verses to St. Leonard, 1422. Now Henry YI wns
crowned on this day and year, and these may be our verses) ; Sid.
Suss. 37 ; Jes. Coll. 56.

Printed by Halliwell, M.P., pp. 205-206.

123. St. Margaret, Legend of.

Beg. At the reuerence of seynt Margarete ; 539 lines of rhyme royal,

and ballade.
MSS.— Harley 1704, 367; Cosin's Lib. Durham V, II, U; Univ.

Lib. Cam. LI. 5. 18 ; Bodley 686.
Printed by Horstmann (Durham MS.), loc. cit. A short-couplet version

of St. M.'s life is often confused with the above. Cf. Corser, Collect.

Anglo-Poet., 1878, Ft. VIII, p. 385.

124. St. Michael, To.

Beg. O rayghell by grace of cryst lesu ; 1 stanza of 8 lines.
MS,.— Laud 683.

125. St. Ositha, To.

Beg. Heyl hooly Sitha maide of gret vertu ; 3 stanzas of 8 lines.
MS. — Harley 2255 ; Sid. Suss. Coll. 37 ; Jes. Coll. 56. Same refrain as
St. Edmund II and St. Thomas I.

1 26. St. Petronilla, Legend of.

Beg. The parfite life to put in remembraunce ; 20 stanzas of 8 lines, 1 of
4 lines.

Printed by Pynson, copy in Huth Library, repr. in Fugitive Tracts,
Series I. Never before identified as Lyilgate's, this piece is absolutely
identical in style, rhyme, and metre with his other legends, even to
the short oracio at the end. St. Petronilla's Hos[)ital is still to be
seen at Bury St. Edmunds (see a plate of it in Yates, Bury St.
Edmuiuis, Append.), and St. Petronilla's head was one of the relics
.shown iu the Abbey.

Genuine Poems: St. Eohcrt — Serpent. xxvii

127. St. Robert of Bury, To.

Beg. 0 Blyssid Robert Innocent ami viifiyne ; r> stanzas of 8 lines.
MS.— Land 6So. St. Robert, martyrized by Jews, 20 June, 1181, ace. to
Cronka Buriensis, Jocdiiii ; Arnold, Memorials, etc., I, 223.

128. St. Thomas, To.

Beg. Blissed Thomas rubyfyed with blood ; 2 stanzas of 8 lines.
US.— Laud 6So.

129. St. Thomas of Canterbiu-y, A Trayer to.

Beg. Synguler shepperde gardeyn of cristis folde ; 1.") stanzas of 8 lines.

MS. — Tanner 110 (2 copies, neither complete). Never before ascribed
to Lydgate, this prayer, identical in its refrain with several of
Lydgate's prayers (St. Edmund, etc.), bears every mark of liis style,
metre, and rhyme.

130. St. Ursula, To.

Bee/. Ye Britonn martirs famous in parfitnesse ; 3 stanzas of 8 lines.
USS.—Laud 6S3; Harley 2.255; Jesus Coll. Camb. 56; Sid. Suss.

Coll. 37.
An immensely popular saint; a. Latin life of her was translated by

Edmund Hatfield and printed by W. de Worde (copy in Chatsworth).

131. Say the Best and Never Repent.

Beg. "Who seith the best shal never repent ; 21 stanzas of 8 lines.

MS. — Laud 598. This poem, like Rams Horn and others, is in a
defective state of metre. The original was probably in short lines.
Our only copy is partly in long lines. The poem, coming next Que:'ne
of Hcveac in tlie M.S., bears every evidence of Lydgatian authorship.

132. Secreta Secretorum. Secrees of Olde Pliilosotires, or
Governance of Kings and Princes.

Beg. God almyghty save and conferme our kyng ; 1491 lines of rliyme

roval. Ascribed to Lydgate by the continuator.
MSS.— Slocuie2027, 24*54 ; Lansdowne 285 ; Harley 2251, 4826; Arundel

59 ; Ad.lit. 14408, 34360 ; Laud 416, 673 ; Ashnwle 46 ; JleClpan MSS.

(Fitzwilliam 182, 183) ; Trin. Coll. Camb. 0. 3. 41 ; Boston Mus.

(frag.).
Printed by Steele from Sloane 2464, E.E.T.S. Dr. Theodor Prosiegel

wrote a thesis, Munich, 1903, correcting this edition, and giving

collations. He could not use the McClean MSS., and was ignorant of

the Trinity codex, which is imperfect.

133. See mycho, Say Little.

Beg. See myche say little and ierne to soffar in tyme ; 5 stanzas of 7 lines.
MSS.— Corp. Clir.'Coll. 203 ; Adcht. 29729 ; Royal 2 D. 37. The tiret

MS. titles the poem Proverbium R. Stohjs, but is not to be trusted.

In the same JIS. Chaucer's Truth is entitled Proverbium Scogani.

The piece is in Lydgate's style, and Stow is probably right.

13-1:. Seinhlahle, Every Thing to his.

Beg. Trete every man as he is disposed ; 26 stanzas of 8, in all.
yiSS.—Ashmol'e 59 ; Harley 2251.

135. Serpent of Division-.

Beq. Whilom as olde bokes ; 10 folios of prose, ballade, 3 stanzas of 8.
M.SS.— Yelvcrton 35 {Lord Calthorpcs) ; Harvaid MS. AR 5 ; Pepi/s 2006

[J. </e B. which I take to mean John of Ihiry) ; McClean 182.
Printed by Treveris, 0. Rogers (1559), and E. Allde, 1590. Edited by

myself from (1) and (4), Yale Press, 1911.
LYDGATE, M. P. C

xxviii Genuine Poems : Servant — Story of Thebes.

136. Servant of Cupid Forsaken, The.

Beg. Ful longe I haue a seruant be ; 9 stanzas of 8 short lines.

MS.— Z.'. M. Addit. 16 165. The title of the New Year's Gift belongs

properly to this i)iece, I think. On the margin Shirley writes, "Be

stille Daun Johan suche was your fortune."

v/ 137. 80 as the Crabbe Goth Forward.

Beg. I^is worlde is ful of stabulnesse ; 7 stanzas of 8 lines.

JVISS.— Harley 2251; Bod^ey 6S6 ; Trin. Coll. Camb. E. S. 20 (with

French original) ; Ellesmere.
Printed from (1) by Halliwell, Minor Focms, pp. 58-60. One stanza in

Harley 2-382.

138. Soteltes at the Coronation Banquet of Henry YI, The.

Beg. Loo here twoo kynges right pertite and right good ; 3 stanzas 01

8 lines.
MSS.— Lansdowne 2S5; Cotton, Julius B I; an altered version in Fabyan's

Clironiclc.
These stanzas, almost identical with certain stanzas of the Ballade to

King Henry Yi, and written for the same occasion as the Roundel and

the Prayer, aie certainly hj the same man.

139. Stans Puer ad Men«am.

Beg. My dere Child first thyself enable ; 14 stanzas of 8 lines.

MSS.— Harley 2251 ; Jesus Coll. Camb. 56 ; Lambeth 853 ; Lansdowne
699 ; Leyden Yoss. 9 ; Ashmolc 59 ; Rawl, c. 48 ; Cotton, Caligula A
II ; Harley 4011 (part) ; Laud 683 ; Bodley 686 • Balliol 354 ; Univ.
Lib. Camb. Hh. iv, 12 ; Stowe 982 (written as prose) ; Addit. 5467 ;
Bawl. poet. 3rJ ; Bodley 48 ; Ashmole 61 (altered).

Printed by Caxton and" W. de Worde ; by H:)lli\vell, Bel. Ant. ; by
Furnivall in Babees Book, with Latin original ; though a French
version may have been Lydgate's model. Two stanzas are in Pem.
Coll. 120.

A certain scholar once announced he would prove this poem not Lydgate's,
and so Mr. Lee says, in liis article on Lydgate, that the monk'.s claim
to this poem is dis[(Uted. Inasmuch as Lydgate names himself in the
last line, it is rather hard to see what sort of a case will be presented.
That was some fifteen years ago, and his arguments, so far as I know,
have yet to appear.

140. Star of Jacob, To JNlary, the.

Beg. O sterre of lacob and gloiye of Israeli ; 7 stanzas of 7 lines.
MSS.— Harley 372 ; Laud 683 ; Trin. Coll. Camb. R. 3. 21 ; Sid. Suss
Coll. 37.

141. Stella celi extirpauit.

Beg. Thow hevenly cpicne of grace our lodesterre ; 4 stanzas of 8 lines.
MSS.— Harley 2251 ; Addit. 34360 ; JIarley 2255 ; Trin. Coll. Camb. R.

3. 21; Jesus Coll. Camb. 56 ; Rawl. c. 48 has an altered version, which

I think may also be due to Lydgate.

142. Story of Thebks.

Beg. Whan bright Phebus passed was the Ram ; 4716 lines of heroic

couplets.
MSS.— B.M. Adds. 18632, 5140, 29729 ; Harley 262 ; Cott. App. XXVII ■

Egert. 2864 ; Arundel 119 ; Reg. 18 D ii ; Bodley 776 ; Digby 230 ;

Laud 557, 416 ; Rawl. C. 48 ; Cam. Un. Lib. Adds. 3137; Trin. Coll.

Genuine Poems: Tc Bcum — Thoroughfare. xxix

K. \. 20, 0. 5. 2 ; Magd. Pepys 2011 ; Lambeth 742 ; Loiifrleat 2f;7 ;
Mostyn 2f)8 ; Triiice Fivd. L). Siiij^h's J\I.S. ; Gurney. I'linted in
ISdOVO. 1561. etc.
In tyi>f lor Chaucer Soeit'ty, from (7), edited by Dr. A. Erdmann.

1-43. Te IV'um Laudamus.

Beg. Te Deum Laudamus to the lord souerayn ; 13 stanzas of 8 lines.
^18.—Harky2255.

144. Temple of Glas.

Beg. For )>ou3t ronstn>int and greuous heuynes ; 1403 lines, heroic
couj>lets anil rhyme royal.

MSS.— Tanner 346 ; Fairfax 16 ; Bodlev638 ; Pepys 2006 ; Camb.TJniv.
Lib. ftg. 4, 27 ; Addit. I'Jl'iS ; Longleat 2.^8 ; Sloanc 1212 (pt.).

Printed Caxton 1478, W. de Worde, (3 prints) I'vnson, Berthelet ;
reprinted Camb. Tniv. Texts; ed. Schick, E.E.T.8., E.S., 60, with
invaluable material for Lydgate students. For my notes on the
Sloane ilS. fragment, see Fub. Mod. Lang. Ass. Am., March 1908.

145. Ten Saints, Prayers to.

Beg. Blissed Deuys of Athenvs chief sonne ; 13 stanzas of 8 lines.
MSS.— Jesus Coll. Camb. 56"; Narle7j 2255 ; Laud 6S,3 ; Sid. Sus. 37.
Intended as two ballades with envoys, one for male, one for female
saints ; that for the latter is lacking.

146. Testament of Lydgate, The.

Beg. 0 how holsom and glad is the memorie ; 240 + 182 + 184 + 147
+ 144 = 897 lines, in stanzas of 7 and 8 lines.

MSS.— TFrtr/f?/ 2 IS ; Hurley 2255, 2382 ; Laud 683 ; Leyden Voss. 9
Addit. 29729, 34193 (part) : Phillipps 8299 (part); Rawl. c. 86 (part)
Harley 2251 (part) : Tr. C. R. 3. 19 (part) ; Jesus Coll. Camb. 56
Scots v.rsion of Pt. v in Arundel 285, Koy. 18 D II.

Printed by I'ynsou ; in Minor Poems by Halliwell.

147. That now is Hay sometyme was Gras.

Beg. Ther is full lytell sikernes ; 17 stanzas of 8 short lines.
MSS. — Addit. 297:79 (long title quoted from some earlier MS.) ; Rawl. c.
86 (lacks folio). Written for (.t)ueen Margaret.

./ 148. The Cok Hath Lowe Shoon.

Beg. Sum man goth stille of wisdom & renoun ; 21 stanzas of 8 lines.
}>1?,.—Harlrii2255.

Printed by Wright, P. P. and S., II ; by Halliwell, Minor Poems, 150-
156.

149. They That Xo While Endure.

Beg. This wyde world is so large of space ; 9 stanzas of 7 lines.

MSS.— //«/•/«/ 2255 ; Addit. 36983 ; Trin. Coll. Camb. R. 3. 19.

The refrain of the poetn is found in the Fall of Princes, I, 12, and III,

10, while one stanza, Xo. 3 of (1), is nearly identical with one in the

Order of Fools. The MSS. difier widely.

150. Thoroughfare of Woe, A.

Beg. Lyft up the leen of your aduertence ; 24 stanzas of 8 lines.
},ISS.—Trin. Coll. Camb. P. 3. 20; Harley 2251 ; Addit. 29729.
Printed by Halliwell, Minor Poems, pp. 122-8.

XXX Genuine Poems: Timor Mortis — Virgin.

151. Timor Mortis Conturbat Me.

Beg. So as I lay this othir iiiht ; 16 stanzas of 8 short lines.

MS. — Harlcy 2255. At least three other poems with this refrain exist,

exclusive of Dunbar's Lament for the Makaris. Lydgate's is probably

the earliest.

152. Troy Book.

Beg. 0 myghty Mars that wyth thy sterue lyght ; 30117 lines, heroic

couplets, envoy in ballade.
MSS. — Cotton, Augustus A iv ; Digby 232 ; Arundel 99 ; Royal 18 D ii ;

Trin. Coll. Cainb. 0. 5. 2 ; Dicjby 230 ; Kylands ; St. John's Osf. VI ;

Eoyal 18 D vi ; Exeter Coll. Oxf. ; Douce 148, Univ. Lib. Camb. Kk.

5. 30 ; Harvard Univ. : Tollemache ; Cath. Lib. Gloucester ; Phillipps ;

Bristol City ; Kawl. c. 446, poet. 144.
Prints by Pynson, Marshe. Edited by Dr. H. Bergen for E.E.T.S.

(Pts. I-III, text, now printed).

153. Tyed witli a Lyne.

Bcq. Tlie more I go, the further I am behynde ; 12 stanzas of 8 lines.
MS.— Harley 2251.

Printed Halliwell, Minor Poems, p. 74, see AngJia, 28, 4-5.
The general similarity of this to Order of Fools, Rhyme ivithout Accord,
etc., inclines me to accept this as Lydgate's.

154. Upon a Cross.

Beg. Upon a cros naylid I was for thee ; 6 stanzas of 8 lines.
U^^.—Addit. 29729 ; Univ. Lib. Kk. 1. 6 ; Harley 2255 ; Laud GS3 ;

Jesus Coll. Camb. 66 ; Rawl. poet. 32 ; Caligula A ii ; Laud 598 ;

Univ. Lib. Camb. Hh. 4. 12 ; Phillipps 8299, with additional stanza.
Printed from Sloane 2598, by B. Fehr. ArchivlOQ, 63; by Dr. Furnivall.

E.E.T.S., 1866 (Pol., Eel. and Love Poems), from MS. (9). Small

iragments of this piece are in Hattou 73 (1 stanza) and St. John's

Ox. 56 (a torn leaf).

155. Valentine to Her I Love Best of AIL

Beg. Sevnt Valentyne of custume yeere by yeere ; 20 stanzas of 7 lints.
MSS.— rn'v!. Coll. Camb. R. 3. 20 ; Addit. 29729 ; Harley 2251 ; Ash-
mole 59 ; Rawl. poet. 36.

156. Vertu, A Song of.

Beg. As of hony men gadren oft swetnesse ; 16 stanzas of 8 lines.
MSS.— Harley 2255, 2251 ; Jesus Coll. Camb. 56 ; Rawl. c. 86 ; Trin.

Coll. Camb. R. 3. 21 ; Univ. Lib. Camb. Kk. 1. 6 ; Phillipps 8299 ;

Ashmole .'>9, Pt. II (8 stanzas at end) ; in all but (2) of 13 stanzas.
Printed by Halliwell from (1) Minor Poems, pp. 216-221.

157. Vexilla Regis Prodeniit.

Beg. Royal Baneris Unrolled of the Kyng ; 9 stanzas of 8 lines.
MS.— Univ. Lib. Camb. Kk. 1. 6.

The resemblance of this translation to Lydgate's other work of the kind
is striking.

158. A^irgin, Verses to the.

MS. — St. Jolin's Coll. Oxf. 56, fragment, as the leaves are torn.
These are probably Lydgate's, so far as style and rhyme can be tested.

Sjyurimis Poems : Quia Amwe Langueo. xxxi

ir)9. Wikkcd Tontj will Soye Amis, A.

]li(j. Considre weel witli every circuiustauiice ; 20 stanzas of 7 lines.
JISS.— Harley '22r.l ; Univ. Lib. Canib. Vt 1. ti ; Trin. Coll. Camb. E.

3. -20 ; Bodldi HSd ; A(hlit. 39729, Elk-snu-iv.
Printed Tliyiine, 1532 Cliaucer ; Skeat, Oxford Chmicer, YII, as a

Ballade of Good Counsel.

160. AVorld is Variable, This.

Beg. Toward Aurora in the monthe of decembre ; 10 stanzas of 8 lines.

US.—Harlc,j 2255.

In all, prose and verse, as nearly as I can estimate, 145,000 lines.

In the words of poor herated Ritson, this is the "fullest and
best list " of the works which after three years' close study of the
poems of the fifteenth century, I can give out confidently as Lydgate's.
Like Ritson, I do not claim plenary inspiration for my compilation.
In all but a dozen cases, I have the word of scribes contemporary,
or almost contemporary with Lydgate. In every case I have a
poem conforming to the general style of the monk in his self-attested
pieces, and to the rhyme-scheme which he followed with marvellous
accuracy.

I now present a list of works ascribed to Lydgate at some time
or another, which I cannot accept as his. I take this up historically.

From this point to the end of the introduction, works not by
Lydgate appear in italics, Lydgate's own works in ordinary type.

Three poems ascribed to Lydgate in contemporary manuscripts
must be questioned, in spite of my reverence for him who penned
the E.ri)Udt ijuoJ Lydijate. Two of these are A Satirical Description
of His Lathj,^ in ^MS. Harley 2255, and Quia Amove Lanrnieo,
]\IS. Ashmole 59.- I cannot believe that Lydgate ever sank to
the abominable filth of the one, or rose to the sublimity of the
other. The former has the rhymes enter : hehynde, and dai/ : eeij
(egg) ; it is higldy alliterative.^ Admitting that Hoccleve may have
Avritten a poem of the type,* which is a common one, and that
even religious monks coul«l condescend to ribaldry, I yet cannot
believe that Lydgate ever attempted to outdo all his peers in poetry

^ With the refrain, "When she hath on her Hood of Green."
- And elsewhere.

* It is printed by Halliwell, Minor Poems, No. 34 : the rliymes occur
p.203 and p. 204. As a sample of alliteration I quote

p. 199, "As bright as bugyll or elles bolace
Sliorn as a sheep with sherys keen
Whenne the sunne shyneth sheen."

* So Dr. Furiiivall says, and prints it, E.E.T.S., E.S., 61, p. xxxviii
But Hoccleve was mad for some years, as we know.

xxxii Spurious Poems: Galaunt.

in obscenity, siicli as this poem reeks of.^ I believe that the scribe
who towards the end of his volume was tilling Avith non-Lydgatian
poetry, put an Explicit quod Lydgate to this piece by inadvertence.^^
The latter poem is generally admitted to be the highest poem
of its type in English ; the finest expression of the Virgin's sorrow.
I should be only too glad to claim it as Lydgate's, but Shirley when
he wrote Ashmole 59, was at least eighty-five, and a little forgetful
of details, as is shown by the remarkably poor versions which fill
this MS. There are two versions with this refrain, of which the
first is ascribed by Shirley to Lydgate. The other version is a
moralization of the Song of Solomon, as a Complaint of Christ.*
I would welcome either poem into the Lydgate Canon, on better
proof than Shirley's rubric for the one. In this version I note the
assonance whom : moon, line 29 ; and tlie form pou has, line 48,.
as not in Lydgate's ordinary usage.

The third poem, Diledus meus, or Rex Salamon, is ascribed to
Lydgate in the same Shirley Ashmole 59. It appears also in Harley
2251 with more stanzas. The poem has the penultimate rhyme of
-oun, and its irregularity of metre makes me imwilling to admit it as.
genuine.

A late MS., the Bannatyne (1568), ascribes an Appeal of Christ
to Lydgate. Bannatyne is not to be trusted, and certain rhymes
are against the probability of Lydgate's authorship.'*

Treatise of a Galaunt ; Ballade of a Galauut, or the Gallande
Ballade. — Bishop John Alcock (d. 1500), in a sermon .preached
in his old age, attributed this poem to Lydgate, saying that he
remembered it in his youth. Alcock was aljout 19 years old when
Lydgate died. It is of course not absolutely certain that the Ballade
we possess is in the original form, or precisely the one Alcock had
in mind, though the refrain he quotes is that of our poem. Dr.
Furnivall and Mr. Carew-Hazlitt printed the poem as descriptive
of the times of Henry VIII, from- early prints, but it exists in a
MS. of Edward IV's reign.^ It belongs certainly to the latter half

1 There are several parallels in Trin. Coll. Cainb. R. 3. 19, later printed in
Stow's Chaucer.

- I must note, however, Dr. Koeppel's acceptance of the poem as genuine,
Eny. St., 24, 290. Harley 2255 is as late as Edward IV's time, and not to be
absolutely trusted.

^ Both are printed by Dr. Furnivall, E.E.T.S. 15, pp. 148-150, 151-159.

* dry : eternaly : maistry : folly 50-55 ; albeid : inisdeid 38-40. Bannatyne
ascribes Hoccleve's Letter of Cupid to Chaucer, etc.

5 MS. Trin. Coll. Cainb. K. 3. 21. Printed by Carew-Hazlitt, E. Pop.
Poetry, III, 147 ft'., with note on early prints, and by Furnivall in Odd Ballade.

Spurmis Poems : NigJdingale. xxxiii

of the fifteenth century. It is written ostensibly against tliose wlio
hrouglit over French fasliions from the lost English possessions in
France, but is really an attsick on all classes of society, a satire on
the times.

"So moclie rychesse in aiaye, and so nioche neile ;
So many bedes borne, and so lytell devocyon ;
So nioche tasting for linngie, and so lytell inede ;
So moche paynted worship, and so lytell reason ;
I trowe no man hath sene in this region."

Xow it is wholly against probability that Lydgate, who delighted
in fine array and in rich patrons, who was a member of the most
favotired monastery in England, Avho wrote poem after poem to
encourage " painted worship," should have indulged in any such
bold tirade a.s this. The style of the entire poem is bitter, popular,
abrupt, and different from Lydgate's. In rhymes I note 50,
intoxicacyon : abbominacyon : desolacyon ; 170, folye : Babylonye :
glorye ; 214, dye (inf.) : perseueratuitly ; as typical of a practice at
variance with I^ydgate's. The metre of the poem is of that rough
and irregular kind, tyjiical of Engli.sh poetry two generations from
Chaucer.

The Night itujale. — In a MS. written by Humphrey Newton,
said to have been born in 1466 (Hist. MSS. Com. 2nd Kept. 80),
a poem on the nightingale is found. The old table of contents
describes probably this article as "Vera fabula quam Johannes
Ludgate faciebat et in octavo versu," but the writer of the report
thinks this refers to a lost poem. In the other two MSS., both of
earlier date, no author's name is mentioned.^ Bishop Tanner is the
first to mention tliis poem as Lydgate's, evidently by confusion with
A Saying of the Nightingale. Our only external evidence is
thus a note by a scribe about 1500, and that not absolutely
certain.

The internal evidence points strongly against Lydgate as
autlior. A reference to the yoimg duke of Warwick as dead
shows that the poem is later than 1445. Lydgate was then in his
old age, and the poems of his old age are noted for their digressive
vagueness of structure. Yet this poem is most carefully con-
structed, highly artistic, quite compact, almost without rhyme-tags,
and with a remarkaljle run-on line. I quote a typical stanza : —

1 Printed by 0. Glauning for the E.E.T.S., E.S., SO. He was iinawaie of
Newton's MS.

xxxiv Spurious Poems : Court of Sapienct

" The oure of iioue, as Jewes hym desyred

Thirled and peised tliorgh his hert and side

He saying then ' Consummatum est,' expired ;
And, heed enclyned, the gost yaf vp that tyde
Unto the fader. The suune, compelled to hyde

His bemys bright, no lenger myght endure

To see the deth of the auctor of nature."

One lias only to compare tins version of the Pldlomela with
Lydgate's own version, to see how unready his style is for such a
stanza. His own version is digressive, indirect, incompact, and
finally wanders entirely away from the artistic scheme.

MoreoA^er, in rhyming -j : -ye indifferently, the poem goes
absolutely against the usage of Lydgate's old age. I note lines
103, and 285, as examples of this. They are particularly bad, for
they contain cases of the infinitive in -ie rhyming with adverbs
in -ly. An even better test is afforded by the rhymes seson : reson,
22, seson : reson : encheson 58. In no poem of Lydgate's poems,
acknowledged as his by contemporaries, can a paroxytone rhyme of
these words be found, though they appear everywhere in his poems
in oxytone rhyme, e. g. seson : toun, etc. These considerations
seem more important to me than the scribe's possible word of 1500,
and I feel justified in excluding the poem.^

Stephen Hawes. — In the Pastime of Ph'asure, 11. 1282 ff'.,
Hawes enumerates certain works of his master. These are (given
by title or description) : —

1. Life of our Lady. 2 6. Troy Book.

2. Life of St. Edmund. 7. Assembly of Gods (or lii^r]^Sil^s Reson

3. Fall of Princes. and Sensually te)."

4. Churl and the Bird. 8. Temple of Glas.

5. Court of Sapience.

Two Avorks call for comment, the Court of Sapience and the
Assemhly of Gods. On the Court of Sapience, I may refer to Dr.

^ Space juevents nie from entering in detail upon a refutation of all
Glauning's arguments for Lydgate's authorship. Suffice it to say, that he
shows the poem to be Lydgatian, but not Lydgate's. The rhymes I call in
question are regular with Benedict Burgh, cf. Cato, ArcMv, 115, 11. 282-4,
565-7-8. Why could he not have written this poem ?

'■^ He speaks of the " conversacyon of our lady," which I take to mean
" conduct."

•* "And betwene vertue and the lyfe vycyous
Of goddes and goddes, a boke solacyous
He did comiiyle."

This has hitherto been taken to apply to the Assembly of Gods, but it is
equally true of Eeson and Sensuallyte.

Spu7'ious Poems: Assembly of Gods. xxxv

Burkavt's thesis on Hawes's poem, 1899, wliich summarizes the story.
He claims that this poem is Hawes's chief source.

My ohjections to the Coiui of Sapience are, tliat we have no
external testimony until tliis statement of Hawcs, and that the style
of the poem is quite ditforent from Lydgate's, being direct, forceful
and yet a trifle pedantic. It is written by a man of very different
personality from the modest monk of Bury ; he is assertive, and
preeminently the master. The metre of the poem is vigorous, but
decidedly not so smooth as Lydgate's. ]Moreover, there are rhymes
totally at variance with Lydgate's universal practice. In stanzas
1, 14, 30, 42 and others there may be observed the strong preference
for the rhyme -acioun, proparoxytonic. And in the copy of the
poem in ]MS. Harley 2251, fol. 274b, 1. 9-10, there is the rhyme
victorye : drye. Lydgate, as I have said, never rhymed the word
except as victorye. Finally, throughout the poem we can find but
few rhyme-tags, metrical conveniences indispensable so far as Lyd-
gate was concerned.

Somewhat earlier than this reference of Hawes, ^Vynkyn de "Worde
in his 1498 Chaucer had printed the Assemhlij (f God^, and assigned
it to Lydgate in his colophon. If then Hawes's reference above
refers to this poem, it may be due cliiefly to this print. The poem
exists in a MS. of not earlier than 1463, without ascription, and in
another ^NIS. probably copied from the print. Thus "Wynkyn de
Worde afl'ords us our only external evidence, and this only in his
first print ; he took pains to omit the colophon in his second and
third prints. Dr. Triggs mentions as confirmatory of this evidence
the "extemporal play of the Seren Deadlie Sinns, contrived by
Eicliard Tarleton and performed before King Henry YI {v. de-
scription 1)y Collier, Hist. Dram. Poet., Ill, p. 198). ()ur monk
Lydgate is supposed to regulate the performance." Now Tarleton
was an Elizabethan, and Henry YI merely an early Sly who watches
a play. One might as well contend that Gower Avrote Chronicle
Histories because Shakespeare employed him as Chorus.

It cannot be denied that the AssemUij of Gods is equipped with
a full Lydgatian stock of phrases and mannerisms. They are,
however, of the most easily imitated type, and any of the evidence
Dr. Triggs puts forth for Lydgate's authorship coidd be shown to be
true of the continuation of the Secrees, written after Lydgate's death.

Metrically, however, the poem is quite impossible. It is harsh
and not to be scanned ; Lydgate is always smooth. There are forty-

xxxvi John Bales List.

seven alexandrines, and tliirty-four lines of eight syllables, though the
poem is written in rhyme royal. The rliymes are incredibly bad.
In 2000 lines we have strong : hand, 260 ; am : man, 86 ; than :
doon, 1217; come : oblyuyone, 1337; bedde : understonde, 2040;
and others of the like. In over twenty out of forty cases the -ye
rhymes with final -y. Victorie rhymes party e, 1009; companye,
1190; and many words in -y. We find circumcysion : derision,
1205 ; reson : seson, 1259. In other words, this poem is the product
of another age than Lydgate's, and certainly belongs to the latter
half of the century.

But stronger even than these philological tests, on which alone
I shoidd never rely, are the tests of style. ^ Nowhere in our known
Lydgate have we this rough, careless, brisk, vigorous, racy, colloquial
telling. Was it Lydgate avIio wrote of Diana and Neptune in his
vision,

559. " This was the furst syght that ever I tlieym savve,
And yef I never do efte, I rekke not a stiawe ; "

or of Minerva, the chaste goddess,

349. "She weryd ii bokelers, oon by her syde,
That other ye wote wliere ; "

or spoke of going to dine as "falling aboard," 1. 2-18? Here is a

typical line in the poem,

21. " He must nedys go that the devell dryues."

Pan is (325)

" brechyd like a bere,
With a gret tarbox hangyng by hys syde."

We are in a difterent atmosphere from the cloister of Bury

throughout the poem. Here are war-cries, rough-and-ready repartee,,

the slang of the day ; in a word, the life of the Roses. V^q are in

the most realistic allegory ever written.

" "Wliat seyde Ryghtwysnes, thow olde dotyng foole,"
or again,

" Is hit thus ? what ! in the devellys date ! "

One might with equal reason contend, as Peacham stated in the

Compleat Gentleman, that Lydgate was " the authour of that bitter

satyre Piers Plowman."

John Bale was apparently the first to make a Lydgate canon.
In his Scn2)tores Brit. Centur. Qxdrda, fol. 202 f. (1548), is a list
of 14 pieces, and in his MS. note-book are many more entries.^

^ For a style-investigation, confirming my view, see A. Rudolph, Lydgate
unci die Assembly of Guds, Berlin, 1909.

^ Printed Oxl'oid, 1902, in Anecdota Oxonien.iin.

John Bale's List.

xxxvii

These were incorporated in the later edition of 1559, from wliich I
quote, p. 586. (Titles italicized, it will lie recalled, are of spurious
or unknown works.)

1.

St. Edmund.

1

22.

Be officio regis.''

2.

Vila regv< Ethchtani (Pro. solidi-

23.

Testamentum,

ore operis finn).^

24.

Sinith and his Damc.^

3.

St. Fremund (Book III of

St.

25.

Horse, Goose and Sheep.

Edmund).

26.

Dietar}'.

4.

Life of our Lady.

27.

Fabula Duorum Mercatoruni.

5.

St. Albou.

28.

De fortuna.^

6.

Dance of Macluibre.

29.

Contra indicium temerariura (Fall,

7.

Dc coelorum yciuiiis (Multi

sunt

I, 13).

qui coelorum gaudia cup).^

30.

Inter rationem et tristiciam.

8.

Parkment of Fouhs.

(Resoun and Sensually te ?)

9.

Jesu thy swcctncs,^

3L

Mass.

10.

Praecepta nioralia. (Possibly

32.

Pracceptiones Gallicae linguae.^'^

Burgh's Cato, or some of Lydg

atc's

33.

Aeglogas sen Bucolicae.^'^

moral poems. )

34.

Poeniala et Odas.^^

11.

Secrees.

35.

Satyras et alia poemata.^^

12.

Secrees (another part).

Ista ex loanne Boccatio et aliis

13.

Calendar.

authoribus transtulit :

14.

Churl and Bird.

36.

Fall of Princes.

15.

Proverbs of Lydgate.'*

37.

Assinihly of Gods.

16.

Propridates nalioniiin.^

38.

Thebes.

17.

Arthur (Fall, VIH. 24).

39.

De genealogia Deorum, lib. .xv.'

18.

The Round Table (Fall, VIII,

24).

40.

Troy Book.

19.

Guy of Warwick.

41.

Boethius de consolatione.^^

20.

Guy and Colbrand (perhaps

the

42.

Dantis opascula.^"

latter part of 19).

43.

Petrarchae quaedam.^'^

21.

De arte militari.^

Bale also hints at tragedies and comedies, Latin verses and prose
works.

1 Unknown. - Not known.

3 This lovely lyric, printed by Dr. Furnivall in E.E.T.S. 24, 8-11, is in
stanzas of 8 lines of 4 accents, ab ah ah a b. It is highly alliterative, and
of the fourteenth century. In MS. Rawl. poet. 175 (c. 1370) it appears in a
northern dialect.

^ From the de Worde print. They include envoys from the Fall, Loke wel
thy Mirour, Consulo Quisquis, and Chaucer's Fortune and Truth. This article
is repeated in later lists. See Schick, Temple of Glas, p. clii, note.

* Not known, unless a half-dozen lines in Tr. Coll. E. 3. 19, be these.

* This may be any one of several translations of Vegetius. A metrical one
is now in Pembroke Coll. Camb. 243. It has no Lydgatian marks.

' Perhaps part of the Secrees.

* The well-known fabliau.

* Probably Sir Thos. More's poem on Fortune, recently reprinted by the
E.E.T.S. from Balliol 354. Or it may be the prologue to Bk. VIII of the Fall.

'" I can tind no MS. sources of these items.

" This may be the translation by Chaucer, but more probably that by
Chaplain .John (Walton ?), 1410.

XXXVlll

John Stoiv's List.

Bale's knowledge seems drawn almost entirely from prints.

John Stow's List. At the end of the Sie/je of TJiehes, in the
1598 Chaucer of Speght, John Stow set his list of Lydgate's works.^
Stow's information came from his own manuscripts, and it is in

general accurate.

I give the list.

Fall of Princes.

Troy Book.

Pilgrimage.

Secrees.

Reason and Sensuality.

6. Assembly of Gods.-

7. Court of Sapience."^

8. Kalender.

9. Fetigree of the Emperours,'^ from

Caesar to Daclan.

10. Kings of England.

11. Dance of Macliabre.

12. Cristis Passioun.

13. Psalms of the passion.

14. Of CImst's pns.^io/i .

15. Misericordias Domini.

16. Magnificentia Ecclssiae.

17. St. Bernard.

18. Paternoster.

19. Aue Maria.

20. Gaudite iiisti in domino.

21. Prayer for King, Queen and People.

22. CondUor alme sidcrum.

23. Gloriosa dicta sunt.

24. De Profundis.

25. Deus in nomine tuo.

26. Letabundus.

27. Testament, part I.

28. Benedic auinia mea.

29. Amasias to lobas (Fall of Princes,

II, 16).

30. Fifteen Oes to lesu.

31. Magnificat (Life of Our Lady, c.

XXII).

32. Aue Jesse vii'gula.

33. Fifteen joyes.

34. Life of our Lady.

35. Life of St. Anne.

36. Pyte and the sinner.

37. Image of our Ladie.

38. St. Albon.

39. How the plague was ceased in

Rome.

40. St. Margaret.

41. Life of St. Denis.

42. Life of St. Barbara.

43. Life of St. Sithe.

44. St. George.

45. Exliortation [ccgainst^ the 7 dradlij

sinnes.

46. Praier to bedward.

47. Seucn graces for seuen estates.

48. Offices of all estates.

49. Seuen parts of wisdou).

50. Founders of the 7 sciences arti-

ficiall.

51. Seuen Sciences called Liberal].

52. Authours of 7 Sciences.

53. Disposition of the 7 planets.

54. Disposition of the 12 signes.

55. Disposition of the 4 elements.

56. Disiiosition of the 4 complectioiis.

57. Disposition of the 4 seasoiis of the

yere.

58. Disposition of the world.

59. Peace, Praise of.

60. Dietary.

61. (Fall. VIII, 20), Stable as a Stone.

62. Procession of Corp. Christi.

63. Fall of Princes, III, 4 (Ballad

Royall against lechery).

64. Saying of the Nightingale.

65. Ballad on the Coronation.

66. Fall of Princes, II, 31 (on Rome).

67. Measui-e, Song of.

68. Ram's Horn.

69. Nine Properties of "Wine.

70. Amor vincit omnia.

^ A Catalogue of translations and Poeticall deuises in English mitre or verse,
done by John Lidgate Monke of Bury, whereof some are extant in print, the
residue in the custodie of him that first caused this Siege of Thebes to be added
to these works of G. Chaucer.

^ See above. ■* Not known.

Spu7'ioi(s Poems: Store's Ascriptions.

XXXI X

71. Tliat now is hay.

72. Four things!.

73. Wikked Tong.

74. Thoroughfare of Woe.

75. Mydsoniev Rose.

76. Disposition of wonu'U (Double-

nesse ?).

77. Order of Fooles.

78. What niaketli the world so vari-

able (World is variable ?).

79. Semblables.

80. Letter to nioucester.

81. Epitaph on Huinfrey Duke of

Gloccster.

82. Stella coeli extirpauit.

83. Consulo quis(^uis.

84. Horns Away.

85. Haste.

86. Epistle to Sybille.

87. Mumming at Bishopswood.

88. Slumming for the Mercers.

89. Mumming for the Goldsmiths.

90. Mumming at Eltham.

91. Mumming at Hertford.

92. Mumming at London.

93. Mumming at Windsor.

94. New Year's Gift of an Eagle.

95. So as the Crabbe goeth forward.

96. Valentino to Her I love best.

97. Ballade to Her that hath all

virtues.

98. A Gentlewoman's Lament.

99. Gloucester's Marriage.

100. Jak Have.

101. Ga/launt.

102. ^sop's Fables.

103. Churl and the bird.

104. Horse, sheepe, and goose.

105. Gwy Earl of Warwick, etc.

106. Prouerbs of Lidgate (from W. de

W.'s print).

107. Dcpartyng of Chaucer.

108. Bycorne and Chichefache.

109. Serpent of Diuision.

110. Temple of Glasse.

111. St. Edmund.

112. Entry into London.

113. Testament.

(Added to these the Story of
Thebes, just printed, makes
114 works.)

Tliere is no doubt but that Stow, in the composition of this list,
had recourse to the manuscripts in his own possession. Chief among
these are the MSS. now known as B.M. Addit. 29729 (his own MS.
Avritten 1558^) and Trin. Coll. Camb. R. 3. 21. In tlie former
MS. are the pieces noted on his list, Nos. 7, 14, 17, 31, 71, 70, 72,
88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 65, 69, 68, 23, 62, 64, 63, 39, 40, 27,
30, 36, 37, 83, 73, 97, 98, 99, 114; in the latter MS. are Nos. 7,
34, 33, 32, 13, 12, 15, 26, 35, 10, 20, 101, 18, 51, 45, 46, 14, 11,
16, 47-58, 59, 83, 75, 105, 44.

Now Stow, while deserving all our gratitude, has no great claim
to credit on question of authorship. Just as in MS. Trin. Coll.
Camb. R. 3. 19, we find Chaucer's name added by Stow to one piece
of courtly poetry after another, so in MS. R. 3. 21, a codex largely
in the same hand, we find Lydgate's name added to one religious
poem after another. Chaucer wrote all the worldly poems, Lydgate
all the godly ones, seems to be his canon. But these MSS. date
from late in Edward IV's reign, and consequently contain much poetry
of a later date than Lydgate. The poems Nos. 13, 16, 20, 35, 45,
^ An excellent MS. nevertheless and faithful copy of older texts.

xl Pits and Bishop Taomer.

46, 101 in Stow's list are clearly of this later period, since they
break all Lydgate's rhyming habits, while closely imitating his
general style. ^ IS one of these poems, it should be said, is ascribed
to Lj'dgate by the scribe of the MS. Of the spurious pieces, not
already noted, Xos. 22, 41, 42, 43 are not by Lydgate if any extant
poem on these subjects be those intended by Stow.'^ No. 81, the
Epitapliium Duels Gloucestrie, in MS. Harley 2251, is certainly not
by Lydgate. It is a very feeble thing indeed, written in his manner,
but has no MS. support for Lydgate's name, or any accordance with
a known poem of his.^ Is^os. 36, 37, 39 are only in Stow's MS.
Addit. 29729, and are there attributed to Lydgate. They agree in
style and subject Avith numerous other pieces of the monk, and are
admitted into my list for want of negative evidence, though I do
not feel entirely sure of them. Numbers 47-58 comprise my
Pageant of Knowledge, Kos. 53-57 being ascribed to Lydgate in
MS. Harley 2255, an excellent codex. There are thus 14 spurious
pieces, and 14 duplicates in Stow's list. Elsewhere Stow assigns
other poems to the monk. In his Chronicle, he tells of verses
for pageants at the entry of Queen Margaret ; these have not
survived. He is also probably responsible for the ascription of
London Lickpenny (see p. xliii).

John Pits, 1619,* depended almost entirely upon Bale for his
information. Nearly his whole article is stolen from Bale, and
deserves no further notice. He adds two items at the end of Bale's
ist. The Pilgrimage, and Quis dabit meo capiti.^

^ No. 13, Psalmi passionis, Tiin. Coll. Camb. R. 3. 2f . Rhymes glory :
prophesy : soly 10 ; consecracioun : obseruacioun fol. 175 b ; temptacioun :
dylectacioun 176 ; proteccyouu : dyleccyoun 176 b ; propliesy : bodyly 176 b,
and many others. No. 20, Gaudite iiisti, is of the same type. No. 3.5, Life
of St. Anne, same MS., fundacioun : elacioun : formaeioun 224 ; onely : mag-
nify 224 b ; thornes : yvvys 225 ; hauntyd : worshippyd 226 ; virgyne : digne
226 b ; aifeccioun : direceioun 228 b ; reson : seson 229 b ; son : redempcionn
230, etc. No. 45 may be any one of the several attacks on the sins or a song
of them, as in Ball. 3.')4 ; I know none in Lydgate's metre. No. 46, The Prayer
to bedward and at rising, rhymes mesurably ; glotonye, f. 276 b ; fantasies :
vpryse 276 a ; it is in short line stanzas of 4. No. 16 is highly interesting, but
is crudest of all in its metre. Rhymes magnyfy : almighty 285 ; encheson :
reson : geson : seson 285 ; oonly : signify 286, etc.

^ No. 22 may be a part of the Letabundus, 41 and 42 are extant as in short
doggerel coujilets in an Arundel MS. Lydgate wrote a Prayer to St. Gsitha.

^ Stanza 6, alye : the ; 9 dowarye : by : ny : I cry ; etc. The poem is
rather nnmetrical.

* Relationum Historicarum de Rebus Anglicis, Tom. I, 1619, under the year
1440, pp. 632-33.

^ Lamentation of our Lady, this may be the prose tract, which is probably
spurious.

Bishop I'anncr's List. xli

Bishop Tanner's li.st in liis BihUofhera, iip. 4H9-493 (o.l. 1748),
consists chiefly of researches made uj>nn Pits anil Stnw. To these
he adds items from Laud 683, Fairfax 16, and Aslimole 59. Bub
he does not Ijother to collate his references, as Bale did from his
notes. The result is that items often appear un<ler three or four
heads. Moreover, whenever Tanner found other poems in a MS.
containing poems cited l)v Pits or Stow, he added these. The
result is a confusion which it is hardly worth while to clear up.
But the greatest credit is due to Tanner for his references to MSS.,
which are uniformly accurate.

Tanner's list begins with Thebes, goes to AVikked Tong, Troy
Book (under which the redaction of 1614 is noted), jNIass ; then
follow —

5. Queen of hevene.

6. Dilertus mens.

7. Ballade of Commendation.

8. Stahat mater dolorosa (Aslimole 59, " by an holy ankausse

of :\ransfield ").

9. Queen of hevene (another MS. reference).

10. Prayer in Old Age.

1 1 . Life of our Lady.

12. St. Edmund.

13. Quia amove langueo.

After these come the items of Pits, beginning with St. Fremund.
At the Horse, Sheep and Goose he interjects Say the Best, from
MS. Laud 598, and Upon the Cross, from the same MS.

Then he appends Stow's list. At St. Anne's life, he interjects
Lydgate's Invocation to St. Anne. At the Procession of Pageants
(of Corpus Christi) he puts in a guess as to the " Coventry " plays
(Hegge plays). After the Entry into London he adds London
Lickpenij (quoting Stow, London, p. 234), the Flour of Curtesye
(Thynne, 1532), and the following from Fairfax 16 —

Prayer for King, Queen, and People.

Chaunse of the di/se.^

Complaint against hope.^

Complaint d' Amour (attributed to Chaucer by Prof. Skeat).

Ragmanys roll, or The Merour of your Chaunce.^

^ These two poems, by a witty Chaucerian, constantly remind one of Lydgate.
Hut the internal evidence is hardly sufficient to convince me that he wrote them.
- By a Chaucerian, not in Lydgate's manner.

xlii Joseph Ritson's List.

From the Lincoln MS. he notes St. Austin, and from Ashmole
59—

The sixth fable of Isope.

Consulo quisquis.

Horns away.

(Fall, I, 13.)

Friend at neode.

Holy meditation.

Mass (" Ye devout peple ").

From Bodley 686 he took the Tale of a Crow (Maunciple's Tale
by Chaucer), Kings, Stans Puer, Dietary, So as the Crabbe, Ram's
Horn, Wikked Tong, St. INIargai^t, St. George, Fifteen Joys (here
he notes the version II from the Titus MS.). He then catalogues
Laud 683, noting under Ten Saints, the Ashmole St. Denis.
The only omission from Laud is Fifteen Ooes. To these he adds
some random pieces, The Tale of the Lady Prioress and her three
tcooers.^ From Stow's History he quotes the verses of the
pageants for Queen Margaret in 144.J. These are Ingredimini et
rexdete terrain, non ainplius irascar super terrain. Madam Grace,
chancelor de Dien. Five wise and five foolish virgins. Of St.
Margaret. Of the hearenly Jerusalem. Of the general resurrection
and judgement.'^

He adds Cambridge, Avith a reference to Fuller, Eccl. Hist., I, 28.
He then adds the "translations" from Pits,^ and concludes with
references to MSS. he has not seen, chiefly gathered from the Cat.
MSS. Angl. et Hih., Oxon., 1697.

Under Lydpate, Johannes, he notes the Serj^ent of Division
again from "A. Wood, MS. Cat., lY, 46 (1559 print)."

Joseph Ritson followed Tanner in this sort of list, and con-
siderably increased the confusion. He divided his list into printed
and unprinted works. Professor Schick has corrected Ritson's list
to a great extent, Imt in order to set the matter right once for all
1 must complete his work, with cross-references to duplicates.

In prints. — 1. Troy. 2. Fall. 3. Dance of Mach. 4. Thebes.

^ Certainly not by liini. It is a gay fabliau of the alliterative romance
type, composed by some minstrel. The ]\IS. ascription is of a late date. The
humour is rough aiul high, the rhymes rude ; tiiere is nothing to justify this
note of some modern reader, yet Halliwell printed it as Lydgate's, Minor
Poems.

^ None of these are extant, as I have said above.

^ Under Troy Book he notes the Laud Troy Book.

Joseph Ritson's List. xliii

f). Life of our Lady (8, 187). 6. Lnineiitaci/07i of our ladij.^ 7. St.
Albon (249). 8. {Part of 5 in) Pi/'/riwagr of the sowle.- 9. Horse,
slieoj) and goose. 10. Temple of Glas. 11. Cato'ti DisticliK (5-i) (by
Burgh). 12. Court of Sapience (51, 225). 13. Assemhly of Gods
(under wrong title). 14. Churl and Bird. 15. Kings. 16. Stans
jiuer. 17. A\'. de Worde's Proverbs of Lydgate. 18. St. Austin.
19. Serpent of Division. 20. Flour of Courtesie. 21. C/iaucer's
Ballade on Fortune. 22. Consulo Quis (62, 84). 23. Doublenes.
24. BaJade learning men against deceitfid uomen (see below \nidcr
Skeat). 25. Ballade in Com. of our ladie. 26. Lamentation of Mary
Magdalene.^ 27. Assemble of ladies.^ 28. A praise of women^ (cf.
Skeat, Min. P., p. 26). 29. Remedie of love.^ 30. Craft of lovers.
31. Chaucer's Gentilesse. 32. Sayings of Dan John (Four things).
33. Testament (214). 34. Bycorne and Chichefache. 35. London
LycJipeny. 36. Secrees (from Ashmole's TJieatrum Chemicum), see
No. 52.

Li MSS.— 37. Arthur (Fall, VIII, 24). 38. Round Table, ilnd.,
and Siege of Jerusalem.^ 39. Guy of "Warwick. 40. Fabula duor.
Merc. 4:1. Lady Prioress. 4:2. Childe of BristoicJ 43. Two pnests
of Wiltshire.^ 44. Smith and his Dame, + Fab. duor. Merc. + 6th
proverb of Isope (45). 45. Isopes fabides (44). 46. Chaucer's
Mau7iciple's Tale. 47. Jak Hare. 48. Piers of FulJiain.^ 49. Order
of Fools. 50. Advice to an Old Man}^ 51. Court of Sapience (12,
225). 52. Secrees. 53. De re milltari (144).ii 54. Cato's di><t!chs
(11). 55. Dietary (61). 56. Pilgrimage. 57. Ballade to Her that
Hath all Vertues. 58. Gentlewoman's Lament (110). 59. Ragmanys
roll. 60. Chaunse of the dyse. 61. Dietary (55). 62. Consulo
quisquis (22, 84). 63. Horns Away. 64. Semblables. 65. So as

1 Printed by Wynkyu de Worde. Possibly an error for Quis dabit nieo.
This tract is in prose, and was recently printed by C. E. Tame, in E. E. Kel.
Lit. , Series I, as Lydgate's. There is no MS. evidence, and the piece seems to
be of much later date than Lydgate's. The prose is quite beyond that of the
Serpent of Division.

'^ A prose and verse rendering of Deguileville's second Pilgrimage. Not a
rhyme-tag in the verse, and the -y : ye rule frequently broken. Ascribed (the
verse part) to Hoccleve, who certainly wrote Metre VH, but probably not the
others. See my article in The Nation, N. Y., Sept., 1907.

* Recently edited by iliss B. Skeat. Tliere is no evidence whatever for
Lydgate's authorship. ■* Printed in the Oxford Chaucer, "VIL^

* Nos. 28-30 are cheap imitations of Chaucer, written circa 1475. Their
style is entirely foreign to Lydgate's. On 28 cf. xli.x, '/(. 2.

' In doggerel couplets, anonymous, ed. J. Herbert, Roxb. Club, 1905-

' A poor piece of j.opular versification. ^ See pages xlvii, and xlviii, n. 3.

* Printed in Hartshorne's Ancient Metrical Tales, from Tr. C. Camb. R. 3. 19.
1" See below. " See above.

LYDGATK, M. P. ^

xliv Josefli Ritson's List.

the Crabbe. 66. Rhyme without accord. 67. Haste. 68. ]\Iyd-
somer Rose. 69. Measure. 70. Quis dabit. 71. Amor vincit
omnia. 72. Amasias to Johas (Fall, II, 16). 73. Epistle to Sybille?
(141), or perhaps Fall, II, 15. 74. So as the Crabbe (65). 75.
New Year's Gift of an Eagle. 76. Siimmiim Sapientiae.^ 77. Seven
Wise Counsels (part of Pageant of Knowledge). 78. Lonrj wil be
tvater.^ 79. Complexiones (part of Pageant of Knowledge). 80.
Who saith the best. 81. Lak of Stedfastnesse (Chaucer). 82. Four
things (see 32). 83. Friend in neode. 84. Consulo quisquis (22,
62). 85. Complaint cCamour.^ 86. Complaint against fortune, by
Chaucer. 87. Complaint against Hope. 88. Ch. of the Dyee
(frag.). 89. Gloucester's Marriage. 90. St. Austin (No. 18).
91. Stans Puer (16). 92. Praiei- to hedward. 93. 0 thow
povert (Fall, I, 18). 94. Wikked Tong. 95. Yertu. 96.
Thoroughfare of Woo. 97. Tyed Avith a lyne. 98. Rex
Salamon (Diledus mens). 99. Loke in thy Merour. 100. They
that no while endure. 101. Peace. 102. Holy Meditation.
103. Letabundus. 104. World is Variable. 105. Timor Mortis.
106. The Cok hath lowe shoon. 107. Measure is Treasure. 108.
Hood of Green. 109. Craft of Lovers (SO). 110. Gentlewoman's
Lament (58). 111. Cambridge, 112. Reason and Sensualitie.
113. Assembly of Gods (13). 114. Seven deadly Sinves (Stow's, 45).
115-119. Pageant of KnoAvledge (Stow's, 47-58). 120. That now
is hay. 121. Wikked Tong (94). 122. Amor vincit omnia (71).
123. Nine props, of Avine. 124. Measure (107). 125. Ram's
Horn. 126. Fall (Stow, 63). 127. Magnificence of the Church.
128. Psalter. 129. Kalandre. 130. Petigree of Emperors. 131.
Kings (15). 132. Fates of Princes. 133. Prayer for K. Q. and P.
134. Ballade on Coronation. 135. Pedigree. 136. New Y.'s Gift,
Eagle (75). 137. Complaint for My Lady of Holland. 138. Letter

1 This is still attributed to Lydgate by Prof. Forster and Miss Hammond,
because the writer happens to say that his author (his original) and he are
both named John. But why not Jolin "Walton, John Capgiave, John Hardyng,
John of Bury, Sir Jolm Oldcastle ? The writer lias an incurable fancy for the
word huge ; in the tirst 14 stanzas I note huge Idilnesse, 3 ; huge eomberance,
4 ; huge wittis, 8 ; huge impuissance, 10 ; huge Innocence, 11 ; huge ditees,
12 ; huge symplenesse, 14. The rhymes are totally against Lydgate's claim ;
contraire : moinyngly : folye, 32 ; glorie : folj'e, 70 ; remedy : folily, 41 ;
delicacye ; worldly, 44, etc. Lydgate never went quite so far as to speak of
liquid liquor, st. 5, or lyneal lynes 8. The translation is wretched. Really
Lydgate never coined such words as rethoryous 6, antiquious 8, or vertuhede
3. There is absolutely no evidence for Lydgate's claim in the original MSS.

^ From Harley 2251. A short mis-metred thing.

^ Ascribed to Chaucer by Professor Skeat.

Joseph Rit son's List. xlv

to Gloucester. 139. Epitaph of Gl. UO. :^^y Lady Dere. 141.
Epistle to Sibille (73?). 142. De vita liominis. 143. Proprietates
natiomim. 144. Vegefius (53). 145. Praeceptiones Gall. linr/.'^
146-151. :\rummings, Stow's, Xos. 87-90, 92, 93. 152-3. Pro-
cession of Corp. Chr. 153. King's Entry. 154. King's Entry.
155. Gallaunt. 156. Haste (67). 157. Horns Away (63). 158
Fall, II, 16 (72). 159. Dmifiii opnsnila. 160. Pdrarchae quaedam}
161. Prayer in Old Age. 162. Birds Matins.- 163. Deus in
nomine tuo. 164. Hoc factum est a domino.'^ 165. Benedic anima.
166. Misericordias doniini. 167. De Profundis. 168. Te Deum.
169. Letabundus (part).'* 170. Benedictus deus. 171. Letabundus,
etc. (part)* (169). 173. God is my help. 173. The high astripotent
aucior of all.-' 174. GaiidUe iusfiS' 175. Neir a p)Cirk.~ 176-179.
Stow's verses on Margaret's entry. 180. De coeloricm gaudiis. 181.
Fifteen Joys, II. 182. Fifteen Joys, I (pt. II). 183. Queen of
hevene. 184. Stella cell. 185. Image of our lady. 186. Gloriosa dicta
sunt. 187. Life of our Lady (5, 8). 188. Surge mea sponsa.^ 189.
Ave Jesse virgula. 190. Same. 191. Gaude virgo. 192. Maria
virgo assumpta est.' 193. Yal. to Her I love Best. 194. Ball, in
Commendation (25). 195. Bex Salamon (98). 196. Stahat mater.
197. Glor. dicta sunt. 198. Ave Maria (Harley version). 199.
Magnificat (pt. of. No. 5). 200. Quis dabit (70). 201. Quia
amore J.angtieo. 202. Jog hlissid lady.^ 203. Ave regina celorum.
204. Regina celi letare. 205. Legend of Joos. 206. Chaucer's
ABC. 207. Jesu Crist kepe our lippes}^ 208. Testamerdiim Christi
(in the Vernon MS.). 209. Paternoster. 210. Yerbum caro (pt. of
Mass, Xo. 223). 211. Cristes passioun. 212. Pyte I. 213.
Saying of the Nightingale (w. ^IS. of Nightingale). 214. Testament,
pt. V (33). 215. Child Jesus to his mother.^^ 216. L'pon a Cros
(228). 217. Jesu thy sweetnes. 218. Testament, pt. L 219.

^ For these see under Bale. - See p. xlviii.

' This poem in Harley 2251, refers to the Rattle of Roxburghe, when the
Scots were defeated. Rhymes nyne : bene, st. 2 ; victory : tiee. No MS. authority.

■• Ritson was misled by rubrics in the course of the poem, which led him to
thitik a new poem had begun. See 103. ' A doggerel poem from Harley 2251.

•• A doggerel poem from Tr. Coll. Cam. R. 3. 21.

' Harley 2255. No authority. Tlie poem is in the style of the thirty
Vernon JIS. poems.

* From Harley 2251 ; belongs with Dilectus mens.

^ Gaude fore, from Harley 372. Rhymes on hee : bee : see, st. 1 ; lesse :
is : gladnesse, 3 ; Jesu : now, 6 ; amang : kan (!), 6. Very irregular metre.
'" In Addit. 34360 and Harley 2251. No evidence for Lydgate's authorship.

" Three stanzas with refrain. From Harley 2251. Begins " ily father
above." etc. I have included this poem, though with hesitation.

xlvi Sir Harris Nicolas' Prints.

Prayer for K. Q. & P. (133). 220. On Chr.'s passioji. 221. Psalmi
passionis. 222. Merita missae} 223. Mass. 224. Ibid. 225.
Court of Sap. (12, 51). 226. Criste qui lux es. 227. Fifteen Goes.
228. Upon a Cros. 229. XV Tokens. 230. Pt. of 231. 231.
Life nf St. Anne. 232. Invocation to St. Anne. 233. St. Katlierine.
234. St. Margaret. 235. St. Cecilia (Chaucer). 236. St. Sitha.
237. St. Barbara. 238. St. Ursula. 239. Prioresses Tale (Chaucer).
240. St. Erasmus.^ 241. Ten Saints. 242. St. Leonard. 243. St.
Edmund. 244. Ibid., pt. 245. Ibid., pt. 246. Miracles of St.
Edmund. 247. St. Edmund, pt. 3 (243). 248. St. Alexes.^ 249. St.
Albon (7). 250. St. Giles. 251. St. Denys.

It will be seen that Ritson lias had acc(?ss to Harley 2251, and
2255 ; otherwise his list is no better than Tanner's. He has, more-
over, fallen into the same error of setting down all items in a MS.
as Lydgate's because one happens to be.

Sir Harris Nicolas, 1827, in his additions to Edw. Tyrrell's
edition of A Chronicle of London, printed the following poems as
Lydgate's: 1. The Battle of Agincourt. 2. King's Entry. 3. On
the Reconciliation, \ih1. 4. Mumming at Bishopswood. 5. London
Lickpenny. 6. Letter to Gloucester. 7. Horns Away. 8. Millers
and Bakers. Of these pieces. No. 3 can be dismissed at once as not
written till eight years after Lydgate's death.

^ Ascribed to Lydgate, because in MS. Titus A xxvi, wbich contains Fifteen
Joys, II. That ])oeni is, however, in a different hand from tliat of the .scribe
of the Merita Missae. The poem is ]>rinted in tlie Lay-Folks Mass-Book, pp.
148-154, E. E.T.S. 71, by Rev. Mr. Simmons. It is written in the rhyming
short couplet. Rhymes not Lydgate's are fore : whare, 5 ; I : follye, 7 ;
nemeu : heuyn, 27 ; bone : dome, 28 ; belle : stylle, 47, etc. Another poem
ascribed to Lydgate, and called by this editor Virtutcs Missarum, is printed iu
the same volume, pp. 367 ff. There is no evidence for this piece, which is
cruder than the preceding, and begins —

"Lordyngis dygnc and dere
Lystyn and Je may here."

Lines 25-26 read —

" ]3is wytnessyt seynt austyu
And ledgyt hem in latyn " ;

and the side-note, p. 368, and the index tell us "ledgyt" (alleged) is Lydgate !
Therefore this is Lydgate's poem !

Mr. Simmons is the first to attribute the Venus Mass in MS. Fairfax 16 to
Lydgate. This is one of those pieces of courtly love in which I can find no
characteristics of Lydgate sufficient to justify his claim as author. Many
phrases recall the monk, but it is all Chaucerian imit.ition. If this piece is
admitted as Lydgate's, it must be on the strength of the prose extract, which
abounds in phrases occurring in Lydgate's Serpent of Division. But I cannot
satisfy myself that these ]>hrases are peculiar to Lydgate.

" Arundel 285, and els^wliere — a ])oor piece of rhyming, though imitative
of Lydgate. '^ This may be a piece from some legendary.

J. 0. Halliivell's Edition. xlvii

Tlie Battle of At/incourt is a kind of Little Gest of Agincourt.
It seems to contain the fragments of earlier half-popular ])alla(ls on
the subject. It is written in the style of the street, with the rhym-
ing equipment of a poor minstrel.^ It is inconceivable that a poet
capable of, and at work on, Tnvj BooJt- should descend to tliis sort
of thing to celebrate the greatest deed of the sovereign for whom he
was writing.

London Liclxpenny is extant in two forms, of which the poorer
and later one is always jn'inted. Miss Haixunond in her parallel-
text print in Anglia, 400 f., shows that an eight-line version
has been tiu-ned into a seven-line one, by simple omission of the
fourth, fifth, or seventh line. Neither MS. antedates Stow's time,
who owned the older version. Style and rhyme- are utterly at
variance with Lydgate's practice, and it is impossible therefore to
accept Stow's unsupported word with regard to this poem, though
every friend of Lydgate, if there be such, will give it up regretfully.
Lydgate once wrote a poem on this theme. Amor A'incit Omnia.
Let any one read this poem and then ask himself whether on the
word of a worthy collector a century later, he will believe that the
same man wrote London Luckpeny.^

J. 0. Halliwell's edition of Lydgate's Minor Poems is too well
knoAvn to need comment, I cite here only the spurious poems :
1. Prohemy of a Marriage, or Advice to an Old Man, or December
and July. 2. Wulfrike. 3. Monk of Paris. 4. Birds Matins.
5. Lo)i<lon Lickpeny. 6. Lady Prioress and her suitors. 7. For
.the better abyde. 8. Thank God for all. 9. Make Amendes. 10.
Hood of Green. Xiunbers 8 and 9 are in the Vernon MS. of about
1380, and so before Lydgate's time; No. 7 is the same sort of
thing, a highly alliterative, forceful little homily in -eight lines of
four accents ababbcbc. There is no evidence for Lydgate's author-
ship ; the poems occur in a MS. containing some of his poems ; hence
Halliwell's mistake. Numbers 5, G, and 10 are already disposed of.

^ Stanza 2, rathe : have ; Edward : swerd ; 8, he : manj' ; .36, Turvyle :
bataile ; shryne : beuynge ; 45, syng : benyug ; 3, yonge : sende ; 4, ende :
kyng ; 35, be : hj-ghe ; 31, was : ges ; 34, Barry : sparye ; 28, sped : ride.
The rhymes -ay, -e occur in practically every stanza. The refrain runs —

" Wot ye right well that thus it was,
Gloria tibi triuitas."

The rhyme-tag verament occurs frequently.

- gonn : come, 10 ; chauncerie : me, 34 ; bye : why, 53 ; prime : dyne, 58 ;
people : simple, 74 ; grete : spede, 86.

^ It should be noted that Stow does not include this poem in his 1598 list.

xlviii Prufessor Sheafs Ascriptions.

The Prohemy is a clever poem something after Mapes's poem
against marriage, which Lydgate put into English at this time,
and made popular. Our poem is much more in Hoccleve's style.
I note the following points : A. The first lines of the poem, A
philosoffre, a good clerk seculer, Had a frend that was somdel aged,
etc. ]^ow the poem was written after 1426, since it refers to the
Dance of Machabre ; and who but Hoccleve was a good clerk seculer,
with an aged friend 1 Kead his Dialog, and compare the styles.

B. Hoccleve's attacks on women were famous. His story of
Jonathas is on the same theme.

C. Hoccleve ^vas fond of talking about unsatisfactory marriage.
See Dr. Furnivall's references.

D. He was fond of quoting from Chaucer. The Wife of Bath
is one of his models (Dialog, 694 ff.).

But the rhymes are against his authorship, and equally against
Lydgate's.^ There is nothing upon which one can base a claim for
Lydgate in the style, which is colloquial, pithy, and humorous.
Words like "pank," "buffard," "popholy," "roter," take us out of
the monk's vocabulary. In the absence of any MS. evidence we
must leave the poem anonymous. ^ There were certainly more poets
at work in this period than Ave know about.

The other three poems have no MS. evidence. The Birds'
Matins has bad rhymes — Inwardly : melodie ; crie : triewly :
glorifye ; supervive : side. The other "two are little exempla, very
likely produced at Bury. The metre involves penultimate accentu-
ation of rhyme-words in -oun,^ and the lines generally are unmetrical
and crude. The only rhyme-tag " we fynde and rede " is used three
times in sixty lines.

Prof. Skeat, in his volume supplementary to the Oxford Chaucer,
prints ten poems as Lydgate's. Of these, I see no good reason for
accepting the Ballade to My Soverain Lady, or the Goodly Balade.
There is no evidence for Lydgate's authorship. The first was
printed first by Thynne in 1532, and confused with Lydgate's

1 remedye : angry : hardily, p. 72 ; gelosye : bodye : pryvelye, p. 33. In
the first 4000 lines of the Pilgremage, written in 1426, there are no -y : -ye
rhymes. On p. 29 of the Prohemy, truste : poste. The penultimate rhyme
in -acioun is observed.

" J. H. Lange, Eny. Stud., 30, 346, is for Lydgate's authorship.
^ 1. 2. Right familyer in goode conversacyoun.
3. And both they were nygh on habitacioun.
1. 10. His rightes he had by goode deliberacioun.
1. 12. And as a triew cristen man here he made his ende
is too bad for Lydgate.

Court of Love. Floivfr and Leaf. xlix

Ballade in Commendation, merely because it liap)i(Mi<'il tn follow
it in a MS. The Goodly Balado inij^^Iil have been written by any
one of the Chaucerian school, the jioet of MS. Fairfax 16, for
example. In his C/ianrcr Canon, Professor Skeat assigns a gem of
Chaucerian verse, the Ballade of Oft-desired Blifs, to Lydgati^, on
similarly insuihcient grounds. Nor is A Prai/se of Women by him.'
I have lately discovered a piece of evidence, which forbids me
to deal in equally ruthless fashion with Prof. Skeat's ascription of
the Ballade, Warning Men {Oxf Cli. VII, No, xiv). It rhymes, it
is true, reson : geson : treson, and flye : naturally ; and no manu-
script or early print assigns it to Lydgate. But the Duke of
Suffolk (see my print, Pub. Mod. Lang. Ass., IMar. 1911, p. 170)
writes to the Bury monk : —

" Hastow not seyd eke that these loomen can
Laugh and loue nat ? Parde yt is not fair."

Line 1 9 of the Ballade reads : —

" For they can laugh and love nat, this (is) expres."

A parallel may perhaps be found elsewhere in Lydgate ; or the
Duke of Suttblk may have carelessly attributed to the monk a
poem he did not write. But, at any rate, the parallel is there;
and the poem, though much more biting and forcibly efiective than
any of Lydgate's satire, cannot be absolutely dismissed from the
Canon. In my own opinion, however, it is s})urious.

Dr. J. H. Lange, in Englische Studien, 29, 397-405, proposes
Lydgate as the author of Fragment B of the Romaunt of the Bosc.'^
Dr. Lange labours under a delusion that if Chaucer did not write
it, Lydgate must have written it. He tries to show that Lydgate
kncAV Fragment B, but he does not prove any indebtedness what-
ever. He gives a long list of rhymes like Lydgate's, two of which,
the er : ir and fortune : contune are worth noting. He notes
assonances in the poem, which he parallels elsewhere in Lydgate.
But he fails to note that nowhere in Lydgate is there any sucli
proportion of assonances, and he totally omits all bad rhymes for
which no parallels exist. He also fails to notice the closer translation
of the original than is usual with Lydgate.^

1 It rhymes -lees : -esse, twice.

^ See, however, Schick's earlier suggestion of the idea, Tonple of Glas. y. Ixi,
note 2. Dr. Lange does not give Prolessor Schick the credit for the suggestion.
^ In Reson and Sensuallyte, 142. 2 lines to 100 of the original.
In Pilgrimage, 157. 0 lines to 100 ,, ,,

In Fragment B, 117. 5 lines to ICO ,, ,,

1 The Ye and the Herte.

Lydgate, it should be added, mentions the Rose in the Fall of
Princes as Chaucer's translation. Had he had a hand in it, there
was nothing to prevent his saying so, in 1431, the date of the
Prologue to the Fall.

It looks as though the Court of Love were to be foisted on to
Lydgate's shoulders, if I guess correctly Dr. Lange's latest hints in
the Archiv, 108, p. 104.

Dr. Marsh, in the Journal of English and Germanic Fhilology
-for September, 1907, argues for Lydgate's authorship of the Flower
■and the Leaf. He has made a most exhaustive comparison
•of the themes in the poem, and finds it most like Reason and
Sensualliite. He has totally neglected the rhyme-tests, which throw
•the poem out at once.^

Lastly, some suggestions have been made, that the Ye and the
Merte, a translation of a French estrif, may be the work of the
ubiquitous monk. From the recent print in Anglia, 1911.
pp. 235 ff., it is clear that the 800 lines of the poem are from a
younger hand. Eliymes such as doubtelesse : gladnesse, 101-3;
companye : verreilye : to aspye : trewly, 122-4-5-7; and doon :
submission, 353-5, cannot be duplicated among Lydgate's myriads.

There are still a few dozen poems of the fifteenth century Avhich,
it is safe to predict, will be shortly heralded as Lydgate's.^ I realize
the uncertainty of all disputes on authorship, but my contention is
still that in the absence of external evidence, of a contemporary
date, the closest resemblances in rhyme, metre and style must be
shown before any poem can be admitted as genuine. AVlienever
these cannot be showii, the verdict must be against the claimant.
And I beg to present the claims of the anonymous poets of the age,
of whom I believe there were many, all loving Master Chaucer,
and delightedly practising the writing of courtly poetry in his
manner.

1 VI, No. 3, pp. 373 if. Rhj'mes contrary to Lydgate's usage are common —
seson : reson, 562 ; victory : mightily, 517 ; glory : hoolly, 520 ; melody : soothly,
181 ; chivalry : worthy, 503, etc.

^ The Practise De Laplde Fhilosophorum in B. M. Sloane 3708, ascribed to
Lydgate, seems to me a seventeenth-century forgery, and not worth discussion.
I mention it hero to forestall criticism. The translation of Christine de Pisan's
Epitre d'Othea, ascribed to Lydgate in the Harleian Catalogue (No. 838), is
probably by A. Babyngton. See my article in Mod. Lang. Notes, April, 1909.

li

INDEX TO THE LYDGATE CANON.

The number of manuscripts, etc., considered in the foregoing pages
requires an index, in order that easy cross reference maybeluid. This
index contains tlie principal matters discussed, but is not complete. The
manuscripts, prints and editions of Lydgate are given complete, witli
reference by Arabic mimber to my catalogue of his genuine works.

Numbers in Roman letters refer to iiages. K = Ritson; S = Stowe;
B = Bale; H = IIawes; T = Tanner; e.<j. R53 = No. 53 in Ritson's list.
Numbers referring to my list have no letter preceding. When my num-
bers are in parenthesis the item is mentioned under that number in my
ist. Where my titles of works might be unfamiliar I have supplied the
first words of the poem ; or other titles whenever such have been given
bv other editors.

Advice to an Old Man, etc., R

xlvii-xlviii.
Aeglogas, B.
Aesop. See Isopes.
Alcock, xxxii.
Aleseller, 1.

Ail haste is odious. See Haste.
Alias I wooful. See Gentlewoman.
Amor vincit omnia, 2, RS.
Appeal of Christ, xxxii.
Arthur, B. See Fall.
Assemble of ladies, R 27.
Assembly of Gods, xxxv, v, HBS,

etc.
Ave Jesse, 3, RS.
Ave ]\Iaria, 4, S.

Ave Maria (Harley version), R 198.
Ave Regina, 5, (105), R.

Bale, Bishop, xxxvi.

Ballad of Jak Hare. See Jak.

Ballade at the Reverence of Our

Lady, 6, RT.
Ballade in Commendation. See

above.
Ballade of Bliss, xlix.
Ballade of Good Counsel. See

Wikked Tong.
Ballade of Her, etc., 7, RS.
Ballade of Love. See above.

Ballade on Women's Chastity

(Skeat), xvi (37).
Ballade per Antiphrasim, 8.
Ballade to K. Henry VI, 9, (138),

RS.
Ballade to My Lady, xlviii-xlix.
Ballade warning men, R, Skeat, etc.,

xlix and ?i 3.
Battle of Agincourt, xlvii.
Beholde and see. See 58.
Behold this gret prince. See 38.
Benedic Anima, 10, RS.
Benedictus Deus, 11, R.
Birds' Matins, R 162, xlviii.
Boethius, B.
Brandl, A, (68).
Broken-backed line, viii, n. 1.
Brut, 12.

Bycorne and Chichefache, 13, RS.
By sapience, etc. See Seven Wise

Counsels.

Calendar. See Kalendare.

Call to Devotion. See under On

Kissing, etc. (Masse).
Cambridge, Verses on, 14, R.
Cartae Versificatae, 15.
Cato, xxxvii (B 10), SR.
Chastity, Women's. See Ballade

on.

lii

Index to the Lydgate Canon.

Chaucerian influence, vii, viii, ix.

Chaucer's ABC, R206; Fortune,
H21, 86; Gentilesse, HSl ;
Muunciple's Tale, R 46 et al ;
Lak of Stedfastnesse, R
81 ; St. Cecilia, R 235 ;
Prioreses Tale, R 239.

Cliaunce of Dyse, TR, sli, n. 1.

Child Jesus, 16.

Childe of Bristowe, R 42, xliii, n. 7.

Churl and Bird, 17, BRST.

Complaint ag. Hope, TR, xli, n. 2.

Complaint d'Amour, TR, xh, xliv
and 11. 3.

Complaint for lack of Mercy, 18.

Complaint for my Lady of Glouces-
ter, 19, R.

Complaint of the Black Knight,
20.

Concords of Company. See heloiv.

Consulo Quisquis, 21, TSR.

Contra iudicium, B (Fall).

Corser (123).

Court of Love, 1.

Court of Sapience, xxxiv, HSR.

Coventry Miracle Plays, viii, xli, T.

Craft of Lovers, R 30, xliii, n. 5.

Criste qui lux, 22, R.

Cristes Passioun, 23, RST,

Curteys, (25).

Dantis opuscula, BTR.
Daimce of Machabree, 24, BSRT.
De arte militari. See Vegetius, BR.
De coelorum gaudiis, BR, xxxvii,

n. 2.
De fortuna, B, etc., xxxvii, n. 9.
De genenlogia, B, xxxvii, n. 7.
De lapide, 1, n. 2.
De officio regis, B, xxxvii, n. 7.
De Profundis, 25, RST.
De vita hominis, R 142.
Death's warning, 26.
Defence of holy church, 27.
Deserts, etc. See Millers.
Deus in nomine tuo, 29, RS.
Dido, Legend of, v, n. 2.
Dietary, 30, BTSR.
Dilectus Meus, xxxii, TR.
Doctrine for Pestilence, 31.
Doublenesse, 32, RS.
Duodecim abusiones, 33, Schick.

Entry into London, 34, RS, xlvi.
Epistle. See Letter.

Epitaphium Ducis Glocestrie, SR.

xl, n. 3.
Epitre d'Othea, li, n. 2.
Erly on morwe. See Pyte (I).
Every maner, etc. See My lady

dere.
Evidence on genuineness, v-x.
Examples against Women, 35.

Fab 111 a duorom mercatoruni, 36,

BR.
Fall of Princes, 37, (35), (149),

HBSTR, xlvi.
Fall of princes in our days, 38.
Fates of Princes, 38 n.
Fiedler, (68).

Fifteen joys and sorrows, 39, RT.
Fifteen joys, 40, S.
Fifteen Goes, 41, RS.
Fifteen Toknys, 42, R.
F'leinynges, Ballade of, 4.3.
Flour of Curtesye, 44, RTS.
Flower and the Leaf, The, 1.
For the better abyde, xlvii.
Fortis ut mors, x.
Fortune, Chaucer's, R 21, T.
Four Things, 45, RS.
Friende at neode, 46, RT.

Galaunt, Ballade of, xxxii, S.
Gaude Virgo, 47, R.
Gaudite iusti, xl, n. 1, SR.
Gentlewoman's Lament, 48, RS.
Gloriosa dicta, 49, SR.
Gloucester's Marriage, 50, SR.
Go forthe, rayn owne, etc. See Bal-
lade of Bliss.
God is myn Helpere, 51 (131).
Goodly Ballade, xlix.
Governance. See Secreta.
Grounde take, etc. See Letabundus.
Guy and Colbrand. See Bale.
Guy of Warwick, 52, B etc.

Halsham, xiv, (45).

Haste, Ditty upon, 53, SR.

Hawes, Stephen, xxxiv.

Hoc factum est, R164.

Hoccleve, viii, n. 1 ; xxxii, n. 4 ;

xxxi, n. 4 ; xlviii.
Holy Meditation, 54, TR.
Hood of Green, xxxi-xxxii.
Horns away, 55, RTS.
Horse, Goose, and Sheep, 56, BRS.
How the Plage, etc., 57, S.

Index to the Lydgatc Canon.

liii

Image of otir Lady, r>(!, li'l'S.
Incoiisisteiioy- ''^'''c Kliyim'.
Isopes Fabules, 69, SK.

Jak Hare, 60, SR.

Jesu, kepe, etc., Iv 207 ; xlv, n. 10.

Jesii, thy sweetiies, xxxvii, n. 3, B,

etc.
Joos. See Legend,
Joy, blissid lady, xlv, n. 9.

Kalendare, Gl, 13SR.
Kings, 62, RTS.

Koeppel, E, (42), (48).

Lady Prioress, xHi, n. 1, TR ; xlvii.
Lak of stedfastiiesse, xi ; ii. 1 (97),

R 8L
Lamentacvon of Our Ladv, xliv,

n. i, RT.
Lamentation of Mary Magdalene,

vii, n. 4.
Lange, J. H., xlix-1.
Late when Aurora. See 40.
Lavenders, 63.
Lee, S., (68), (139).
Legend of Dane Joos. 64, R.
Letabundus, 65, SR.
Letter to Gloucester, 66, SH.
Letter to Lady Sibille. 67, SR.
Life of Our Lady, 68. IIBSTK.
Loke in thy merour, 69, R.
London Lickpeny, xlvii, STR.
Long wil be water, R78 ; xliv, n. 2.
Lucas, John, xv, (26).
Lydgate's Application. See Letter I.

Madden, F., xi (1).
Magnificentia ecclesie, xl, n. 1, SR.
Mainiound. See Jak.
Manuscripts of Lydgate :
British Museum :

Additionals, 5140 ; 142.

5467 ; 139.

10099 ; 32.

10106 ; 88.

14438 ; 132.

16165 ; 20, 28, 32, 45, 83,

85, 111, 136, 144.

14848 ; 15.

19252 ; 68.

19432 ; 68.

21410; 37.

18632 ; 142.

29729 ; 2, 13, 38, 41, 45,

Brit. Mus. continued: —

49, 57, 58. 71, 77-82, 86,

87,88,100,102,106,133,

137, 142.
Additionals. 31042; 23, 30, 62,

70.

34193; 146.

34360 : 10, 21, 30, 36, 45,

49, 55, 56, 62, 63, 66, 70,

89, 97, 132, 140.

36983 ; 149.

Arundel, 59 ; 132.

66 ; 68.

99 ; 152.

119; 142.

168; 30, 90.

285 ; (41), 146.

Cotton App., viii ; 68.

xxvii ; 39, 142.

Augustus, A. iv ; 152.

Caligula, A. ii; 17,29, 30,

139, 154.

Cleopatra, C. iv ; 34.

Julius, B. i ; 138.

B. ii ; 34.

E. iv ; 62.

E. V ; 62.

Nero, A. vi ; 89.

Tiberius, A. vii ; 96.

Titus, A. viii ; 74.

A. xxvi ; 40.

Vespasian, A. xvi ; 24.

V'itellius, C. xiii ; 96.

Egerton, 1995 ; 30, 62.

2864 ; 142.

Harley, 78 ; 53, 62.

116; 17, 24, 29, 30, 45,

90.
172; 37, 109.

218 ; 146.

262 ; 142.

367 ; 14, 116, 123.

372; 23,62, 116, 140.

565 ; 34.

629 ; 68.

941 ; 30.

— ^ 1245 ; 27, 37.

1304 ; 68.

1704 ; 123.

1706 ; 26, 61.

1766 ; 37.

2202 ; 37.

2251 ; 5, 10, 13, 152, 16,

21,22,30,36,37,38,48,
49, 50, 53, 55, 56, 59, 60.

liv

Index to the Lydgate Canon.

Brit. Mus. continued: —

62, 63, 64, 66, 70, 83. 86,
87, 89, 90, 93, 97, 100,
104, 105. 109, 112, 1.82,
134, 137, 139, 141, 1.50,
153, 155, 156, 159, xxix.
Hariey, 2252 ; 30, 88.

2255: 3,11,21,25, 29,36,

39, 41, 42, 49, 51.55,65,
66, 69, 72, 73, 75, 91, 94,
103, 104, 11.3, 120, 121,
122, 125, 130, 143, 145,
148, 149, 151, 154, 156,
160, xxviii.

2278 ; 116.

2382 ; 68, 146.

.8362 ; 68.

3486; 37.

3952 ; 68.

4011 ; 30, 37, 61, 68, 109,

1.87, 1.89.

4197 ; .87.

4260 ; 37, 68.

4733 ; 45, 90.

4826; 113, 116, 1.82.

5272 ; 68.

7333 ; 23, 52, 62, 95, 108,

116.

7578 ; 32, 45, 97.

Lansdowne, 285 ; 132, 138.

409 ; 109.

699 ; 17, 24, 30, 31, 36,

52, 56, 60, 62, 66, 110,

113, 120, 139.
Royal, 2 D. 37, 133.

18 B. xxxi ; .87.

18D.ii ; 62, 142, 146, 152.

■ 18 D. iv; 37.

18 D. V ; 37.

18 D. vi ; 152.

Sloane, 297 : 68.

775 ; 30.

989 ; 30.

1212 ; 6, 27, 144.

17H5 ; 68.

• -1825; 37, 68.

2027 ; 1.82.

2452 ; 37.

■ 2464 ; 132.

3534 ; 30.

Stowe, 69 ; 62.

952 ; 96.

982 ; 30, 139.

Bodleian, Oxford :

Bodley, 48 ; 30, 62, 139.
75; 68.

Bodl., Oxf., continued: —

Bodlev, 120 ; 68.

131 ; 62.

221 ; 24.

263 ; 37.

638 ; 20, 30. 89, 144.

686; (i, n. 2), 24, 30, 39,

62, 109, 119, 123, 137,
139, 159.

776; 142.

912 ; 62.

1999 ; 62.

Adds., B. 60 ; .80.

E. 7 ; 62.

Arch. Seidell, B. 10 ; 21, 37, 69.

B. 24 ; 20.

Ashmole, 39 ; 68.

46; 74, 116, 132.

50 ; 56.

59 ; (i, n. 2) 2, 6, 29, 32,

37, 45, 46, 54, 59, 62,
67, 68, 76, 83, 84, 102,
111, 115, 116, 134, 139,
155, 156, xxviii.

61 ; 30, 109, 139.

456 ; 62.

754 . 56.

Digbv, 181 ; 20, 35, 93.

230 ; 142, 152, 232 ; 152.

Douce, 148 ; 152.

229 ; 61.

322 ; 26.

322 ; 61.

G. 2 ; 62.

E Museo, 215 ; 37.

Fairfax, 16 ; (vi), 20, 32, 45,

62, 97, 106, 144.
Hatton, 73 ; 68, 70, 98, 103,

154.
Laud. 416; 132, 142.
557 . 142.

598 ;' 56, 103, 131, 154.

673; 132.

683 ; 11, 23, 25, 30, 31,

41, 52, 55, 60, 70, 74,
89,91.101,103,104,114,
117, 118, 120, 122, 127,
128, 129, 130, 139, 140,

145, 146, 1.54.
Rawlinson, 408 ; 61.
A. 653 ; 30.

C. 48 ; 1, 8, 30, 41, 56, 62,

99, 103, 139, (141), 142.

C 86; (i, n. 2) 30, 31,

5.8, 55, 56, 62, 69, 90,

146, 147, 156.

Index to the Lydgate Canmi.

Iv

Bodl., Oxf., cdntinned: —

C. 446 ; ir.-i.

448 ; 37, 62.

poet. 32 ; 36, (siv), (41),

139, 154.

Piawlinson, poet, 34 ; 30.

36: 155.

118 •, 70.

140 ; 68.

144 ; 152.

Selden, supra, 53 ; 24.

Tanner. 110; 103, 129.

346 ; 20, 144.

347; 74, 116.

383: 62.

Cambridge University Library :

Additional 3137 ; 142.

Baker's MS. 6; 14.

Ee. 11.15 ; 116.

Ff. 1.6 ; 18. 63, 90, 93, 159.

Ff. 5.45 ; 26.

Gg. 4.27 ; 144.

Hh. 4.12 ; 17, 21, 55, 56, 84,
90, 113, 139, 154.

Kk. 1.3; 114.

Kk. 1.6 : 17, 23, 53, 103, 117,
154, 156, 157.

Kk. 1.13; 68.

Kk. 5.30 ; 152.

LI. 5.18: 123.

Mm. 6.15; 68.
Advocates, Edinburgl), Jac. v, 7 ;

68.
Balliol, .354; 17, 70, 139.
Bannatvne MS., Glasgow (xii) ;

30,' 68, 107, xxxii.
Caius College, Cambridge, 230 ;
68.

174 ; 2.

249 ; 62.

Lord Calthorpe's Yelverton, 35 ;

135.
College of Arms, 58 ; 62.
S. Cockerell's MS. ; 68.
Corpus Christi, Ox., 61 ; 68.

203 ; 133.

237 ; 24, 68.

242 ; 37.

Durham Univ., V, H, 14 ; 12.3.
Lord EUesmere's Lydgate MS. ;

24, 109, 137, 158.
Exeter Coll., Ox. ; 152.
Fitzwilliam ^luseum, McClean,

182 ; 37, 132, 135.
183 ; 132.

Glasgow Univ. ; 37.

Gloucester Catli. ; 152.

Guriiev MS. ; 142.

HarvaVd, All. 5 ; 12, x. 52, 1.35.

Harvard, Troy Book MS. ; 152.

Hawkins MS. ; 30.

lluth MS. ; 17; 68.

Inner Temple, 511 ; 110.

Earl of Jersey; 37.

Jesus Coll., Cam., 56 ; 21,25,30,
31, .39, 41. 55. 62, 65, 69, 70,
75, 84, 90, 91, 92, 94, 103,
104, 122, 125, 1.30, 139, 141,
145, 146, 154, 156.

Lambeth ; 84, 43.

254 ; 37.

306 ; 56.

344 ; 68, 70, 98.

444 ; 30.

742 ; 142.

853 ; 30, 139.

— 878 ; 61.

Leyden Voss. 9 ; 17, 24, 30, 31,

,36,52.55.56, 60.62.66. 113.

120, 139, 146.
Lincoln Cath.. C. 5.4 ; 17, 24,

110, 113. '
Longleat ; 37.

256 ; 122.

257 ; 142.

258 ; 61. 39. 144.

Maitland Folio (P^pysian. ^lag-

dalene Coll., Camb.) ; 107.
Makculloch ; 30.
Mostyn, 258 ; 142. 37.
Pembroke Coll., Cam., 120 ; 139.
Pepysian, 2006; 20, 37, 135, 144.

2011 ; 142, 66.

Phillipps ; 37.

8299 ; 69, 110, 146, 154, 156.

: 152.

Plimpton ; 37.
Quaritch. B.. 37.
Rutland, Duke of ; 37.
Rvlands. Manchester ; 152.
St. John's, Cam., G. 23; 30.
St. John's, Ox., 56 ; 68, 70, 104,

154, 158.

6; 152.

Sidney Sussex, Cam.. 37; 122.

125. 1.30. 140. 145.
Singh, Prince Fredk. L>uleep; 142.
Society Antiquaries. 101 ; 30.

134 ; 68.

Tollemache; 152.

Ivi

Index to the Lydgate Canon.

Trin. Coll., Cam., 0. 3.41 ; 132.

0. 5.2 ; 142, 152.

R. 3.19 ; 13, 17, 37, 45, 55,

59.
K. 3.20 ; 7, 9, 10, 13, 22, .37,

38, 45, 47, 48, 49, 50, 54,
77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 86,
87,100,119, 137,150, 155,
159.

R. 3.21 ; 3, 4, 5, 21, 23, 24,

39, 40, 52, 62, 64, 65. 66,
69, 70, 75, 84, 90, 92, 94,
97,103, 105, 112,119,140,
141, 156.

R. 3.22 ; 68.

— R. 4.20 ; 142.

Trinity College, Dublin, 516; 30.

Trinity College, 0.x., 38 ; 110.

Univ. Coll., O.x., 60 ; 30.
Mariu Virgo, R 192, xlv, n. 7.
Marsh, 1.
Masse, 70, BR.

Maimciple's Tale, v, n. 2 ; xlii.
Merita niissae, R 222 ; xlvi, n. 1.
Mesiire, Song of, 71, RS.
Mesure is tresour, 72.
Metre-tests, viii.
Millers, Against, 7.3.
Miracles of St. Edmund, 74, R.
Misericordias, 75, RS.
Moderation, On. See Mesure, Song

of.
Monk of Paris, xlvii ; xlviii, n. 3, R.
Mummings, 76-82, SR.
Mutability, etc. See Mydsomer.
My father above, etc. See Child

Jesus.
My Lady dere, 83.
Mydsomer Rose, As a, 84.

Neir a park, R 175 : xlv, n. 7.
New Year's Gift, 85.
New Year's Gift of an Eagle, 86.
Nightingale, Saying of the, 87.
Nightingale, The, xxxiii-xxxiv.
Nine Properties of wine, 88, SR.

Of wyne away, etc. See Lavenders

(2d stanza).
Off stryvys new, etc. See Flem-

ynges.
On kissing. See wider Masse, 70.
Order of Fools, 89, (149), (152).
O sothfast, etc. See St. Bernard.
O swettest Bawme. See Prayer to

Mary.

Pageant of Knowledge, 90, SR.
Pageants for Queen Margaret, STR,

xl.
Parlement of Foules, xxxvii, TRB.
Paternoster, On the, 91, STR.
Paternoster, qui es, 92.
Payne and Sorow, 93, 1.
Peace, 94, SR.
Peacham, H., xxxvi.
Pearl, x.
Petigree of Emperours, SR, xxxviii.

11. 3.
Petrarchae quaedam, B, etc., xxxvii,

71. 10.
Piers of Fulhain, R 48.
Pilgrimage, 96, S Pits R.
Pilgrimage of the Sowle, xliii, n. 2.
Pisan, C. de, li, n. 1.
Poem against Self-Love. See Loke.
Poemata, B.

Prnece|)ta moralia, B, etc.
Praeceptiones Gallicae linguae, B,

etc.
Praise of women, xlix, n. 1.
Prayer for king, 97,(138).
Prayer in Old Age, 98.
Prayer to Bedward, xxxix ; xl, n. 1.

SR.
Prayer to Mary, 99.
Printers and Editors :
Arnold, 15, (127).
Berg-en, H., 152.
Brie, F., 43.
Brotanck, 77, 79-82.
Caxton. 17, 30, 33, 56, 68, 139,

144.
Chaucer editions, 1598 Bel! ; 33.
Chepman and Myllar, 20, 107,
Copland, 17.
Degenhart, 56.
Dugdale, 24.
Erdmann, (142).
Fabyan, 138.
Forster, M., 90.
Furnivall 21, 23, 28, 30, 55, 56,

89, 96, 139, 154, xxix.
Glauning, 0., 87, xxx.
Halliwell, J. O., Minor Poems,
1840 ; 13, 20, 21, 30, 34, 55,
60, 64, 66, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73,
84, 86, 88, 89, 90, 100, 103,
109, 113, 137, 139, 148, 150,
152, 155.
Hammond, Miss E. P., xi, n. 4,
XV, (28), xvi, (37), 50, 78 ;
xxii, n. 1 85.

Index to the Lydgate Canon.

Ivii

TIazlitt, W. Carow-, 93.

Holth.'uist'ii, 104, xxi.

Horstmann, C. 01, <U, 74, 110,
lU;, 120, 123.

Huntcriaii eci. of Bunnatyne MS.
See Baniiatyne.

Hiith, 5(j, 12(3.

Kiiigsford, C. L., 34.

Krausser, 20.

Locock, Miss, (96).

Nicolas, 34, 55, 6(5, 76, 108.

Pvnson, 20, 21, 37, (2) 120, 144,
146.

Rodman, 68.

Kitsoii, J., 108.

Robinson, F. X., 52,

St. Alban'sed.. 1534; 110.

St. Austin's, 1520; 113.

Sauerstein, 59.

Schick, J., 33, (37), 144.

Schleicli, G., 34 (pt.), 36.

Sieper, E., 106.

Skeat, W. W., 6, 20, 30, 32, 44,
45 159.

Steele, 6.3, 8*8, 132.

Stowe, 32, 33, 45, 142, xxxiv-
xx.xvii.

Tame, 68 ; xxxix, n. 4.

Tanner, xxs,

Thvnne, 6, 20, 44, 159.

Tottell, xii, 24, 37,

Toulmin-Sniitli, Miss, 90.

Tiinibull, 68.

Wavlaiid, 37.

de Worde, Wynkvn, 17(2), 20,
21, 33, 37, 56, 59, 70, 93,
(130), 139, 144, xxxii.

Wrio-ht, T., 9, 42, 60, 63, 93, 94,
95, 108, 148.

Zupitza, 36, 52, 59.
Prioresse Tale, R 239.
Prosiegel, T, (132).
Prospect of Peace, On. See Peace.
Proverbs of Lydgate. See 37, 75, 21.
Psalms of the passion, SR, xi, n. 1.
Pyte to the Synner, 102.
Pyte, The Dolerous, 101.

Quene of Hevene, 103, (131).
Quia Amore Langiieo, x, xxxii, T.
Qiiis dabit, 104.
Quixley, viii, n. 1.

Ragmanys roll. See Chaunces, TR.
Reconciliation, On the, xlvi.

Regina Celi, 105.

Hemedic of love, K 29; xliii. n. 5.

Resoun and Sensuallyte, 106, S, etc.,

B(?).
Rex Sahunon. See Dilectus.
Khvme-tests, vi, vii.
iihyme without Accord, 107,(152).
Uitson, xlii-xlvi,
Roinaunt of the Rose, 1.
Round Tal)le, B, (Fall).
Roundel, 108, (138), (34).
Ryglit as a Rammes Home, 109.

St. Albou, 110, B, etc.

St. Alexes, R 248.

Sr. Anne, Life of, SK, xl. n. 1.

St. Anne, Praise of, 112.

St. Anne, To. HI.

St. Austin, 113.

St. Barbara, SH, xl, n. 2.

St. Bernard, 114,(98).

St. Cecilia, R 235.

St. Denis, 115.

St. Denis, Life of, xl, n. 2, S.

St. Edmund, 116, HB, etc.

St. Ednnind, Prayer to, 117.

St. Erasmus, R 240.

St. Gabriel, 118.

St. George, 119, ST.

St. Giles, 120, R.

St. Katherine, etc., 121 R.

St. Leonard, 122, R.

St. Margaret, 123, STR.

St. Miciiael, 124.

St. Ositha, 125, R.

St. Petronilla, 126.

St. Robert, 127, T.

St. Thomas I, 128.

St, TiiomaslI, 129.

St. Ursula, 130, R.

Satirical ballad. See So as the

Crabbe.
Satirical description. See Hood of

Green.
Say the best, 131, R (cf. 51).
Secreta Secretorum, 132, BS, etc.
See myche, 133,
Semblable, 1.34, SR.
Serpent of Division, 1.35, S(T)R.
Servant of Cupid, 130.
Seven Deadlie Sins, xxxv, S xl, n. 1,

R.
Seven Wise Counsels. See Pageant.
Shirley, v, n. 2 ; xi. n. 4 ; (97), (106),

(136), xxxii.

Iviii

Index to the Lydgatc Canon.

Siege of Jerusalem, R 38 ; xliii, n. G.

Simmons, xlvi, n. 1.

Sip fat ye list, etc. See Death's

Warning.
Smith and his Dame, BR, xxxvii,

n. 8.
So as the Crabbe. 137, RTS.
Soteltes, 138.
Stans Puer, 139, RT.
Star of Jacob, 140.
Stella celi, 141, SR.
Stokys, (133); xiii, n. 1.
Story of Thebes, 141, B, etc.
Stylistic tests, x.

Summum Sapientiae, xliv, n. 1, R.
Surge mea, etc., xlv, n. 8 ; R 188.

Tale of a Cro\v,TR. See Maunciple's
Tale.

Te Deum, 143, R.

Temple of Glas, 144, HSR.

Ten Saints, 145, TR.

Testament, 146, BSR.

That now is Hay, 147, SR.

The chief gynnyng, etc. See Letter
(II).

The Cok, 148, R.

Thebes. See Story.

They that no while endure, 149, R.

Thoroughfare of woe, 150, SR.

Thorugh gladde aspectis. See Glou-
cester's Marriage.

Thys world e is borne, etc. See
Pageant.

Timor Mortis, 151, R.

To Adam and Eve. See Examples.

Toward Aurora. See World.

Toward the ende. See Loke.

Triggs, 0., xxxv.

Trouthe, xi, n. 1.

Troy Book, 152, HB, etc.

Two priests, R. See Wulfrike.

Tyed with a lyne, 153, R.

Upon a Cross, 154, R.

Valentine, 155, SR.

Vegetius, B, etc., xxxvii, n. 6.

Vertu, 156, R.

Vexilla Regis, 157.

Virgin, Verses to, 158.

Virtutes Missarum, xlvi, n. \ R.

Vita Ethelstani, xxxvii, n. 1.

Warren, Miss, (24), xiv.
Who seith, etc. See Say.
Wikked Tong, 159, STR.
Women's Chastity. See Ballade on
World is Variable, 160, SR.
Worship, etc. See Four.
Wretchedness of Worldly Affairs

See Thoroughfare.
Wulfrike, xlviii, n. 3.

Yates, (126).

Ye devout peple. See Ort kissing.

Ye and the Herte, The, I.

3^hc ItTuior ^mm of John

Part L— RELIGIOUS POEMS.

1. BENEDIC ANIMA ME A DOMINO.

[From MS. Triii. Coll. Camb. R. 3. 20, pp. 19-25.]

Takejje goode hede, sirs and dames, howe Lydegate
daun lohan )?e Munk of Bury, moeued of deuo-
cyioun, haj^e translated )?e salme Benedic Sinviia,
mea domino.

(1)
U ])ou my soule, gyf laude vn-to pe lord,

Blesse him and preyse, and forget him nought.
AUe myn entraylles boo})e in deed and word,

And al pat euer is in myn Inward thought, [p- 20]

Gyf thank to hym ]>at \>ee so deere hafe bought. 5

Of kyndenes he Avas no tiling to blame,

Late serche pyn liert with al ]>at may be thought,
And of re al vp vn-to his hooly name. 8

_ (2) _
And ))ou my soule, yit blesse him efft ageyne,

Haue euer in mynde his consolacyons,
Be not forgetful, but be truwe and pleyne,

Ay to remembre his retribuceouns.

To him haue ay ]>y contemplacyouns, 13

MSS.— Trin. Coll. Cam. R. .3, 20, pp. 19-25 = T; pp. 165-
170=:^t; Harley 2251, leaves 236-238 back = H; B.M. Adds.
34360, leaves 53 back 55 = A. Latin sidenotes om. H. Rubric
in t "And |)us eonde))e hiere )>is balade And folowing begyniie))e a
deuoute salme of ))e sautier which Lydegate daun Jolian trans-
lated in 1)6 Cha])ell at Wyudesore at ))e roij^uest of |)e dean
whyles. Jje kyng was at evensonge. " 3 inborn. A. 4 thought]
sought H.

LYDGATE, M. P. B

Benedic
anima mca
domino &.
om>tia que
intra me
sunt notni-ni
sancto eit/s.

Benedic
anima niea
domino &
noli

obli nisei -
omnes retri-
bucjones

Qui propici-
ntiir oii]?ii-
biis iiiiqnita-
tibus qui
sanat omnes
infiriuitates
tuas.

JBenedic Anmia Mea.

Sith he fee bougfit witli his precyons blood,

Ee not vnkynde, but in ])yne orysouns
Thenk for J)y saake he starff vpofi ]>e rood,

. . (3)

Which is alwey to ])ine Iniquytees

So pacyent ay, and mooste snffrable ;
Helejie and rekurejie alle pyne intirniytees

Of lordes alle J»e moost mercyable,

Moost loving eeke, euer oon and not vnstable,
Voyde of chaunge and of al doublenesse,

God grauut my preyer beo to ]>ee acceptable,
)Dat schewest to me so muche kyndenesse.

Qui redimi- For he bye])e euer and make])e redempcyoun,

tur de inte- i ^ /. t >_ t c

)2y lyf frome deetn and irome captyvytee :
Witli his blood he made ))y raunsoun,

And with his mercyes he corownej^e fee,

And in liis mercyes he gyvefe fee liberie,
Wliane for fy synne fe feonde dofe fee manace,

And condescendefe of mercyful pytee
Ay whan f ou axest for to do fee grace.

ritu vitam
tiia//i qui
coroiiat te in
uiismconliSk
A misrca-
cionibus.

16

21

24

29

32

Qui lejiletw/'
in bonis
desideriuw
tuuiu reno-
uabitii/' vt
aquile in-
uentus tua.

(5)

He aecomplisshefe in goodnes fy desyres,
He is in loue so stedfast and so trewe.

)5yne hert enamourefe with his goostely fyres,

And lyke an Egle fy youfe shal renuwe

Elyche fresshe of face and eek of huwe,

Cladde with a mantel of Inmortalyte,
With-oute appalling, of aage elyke nuwe,

With Citeseyns of fyne lievenly Cite.

(6)
ffacierisiiiiir- )5o\ve art fe lord, prophetes doon recorde,
dominelt Moost reno?»med of power and of might.

[p. 21]

40

17 ]>ine t.
29 m] om. t.
the iiu^. H.

18 moost] so H. 20 ]>c] om. A. 22 al] omi. A.
37 euer] eke HA. 40 \iync] om. t, the H, Witli

Bcncdic Aninia Mea.

Doyng mercy and niisoricorde,

And doome to alle wheclie ])'?t souffre vnrigtit.

Cast on nie lord fy niercyable siglit, 45

And graunt me mercy toforne er pat pou deeme,
Set pees to-forne & modefye ))y right,

For of my self I luuie nougllt pee to qweeme. 48

(■)
He made hees Aveyes vn-to 'Moyse?,

For to be knowe, J)e byble can weel telle,
His willes also, by vertuous encresce,

Vn-to his loued people of Israeli,

And Pharao J)rtt on liem was so felle 53

Out of his daiinger made hem free to goo,

So let py mercy, 0 lord, py right precelle,
Ageynst pacusing of oure goostly foo. 56

(8)
Mercy, lord, on wrecches in distresse,

Wliich on py mercy beon ay awayting,
With-oute vengeaunce souffrest of goodenesse

Synners repent hem, peyre leyser abyding

Moost mercyable pou art in forgyving 61

To suclie as beon redy to do penaunce,

Nowe graunte me grace, lord, in my lyving
Or I passe hennes, to liaue ful repentaunce. 64

(9)
)}is lord slial not perpetuelly be wrothe.

Nor he shal not eternally manace
For mercy euer toforne his right it goope.

And alle his werkis pacyence doope enbrace.

And he is redy euer to doo grace 69

AVho axepe mercy, he wil him not forsaake ;

jjerlore 0 lord, whane we shal hens passe, (]'• 22]

To-fore py doome vs to py mercy take. 72

(10)
After oure synnes pe lord moost gracyous
List for noon haast avenged for to be,

43 and ^cret ins. tH. 44 that suffren any }[, wliiclie om. U.

49 the Moyses ins. H, yat Moyses ins. t. 59 of thy i)is. II.

63 loidc by grace A. 69 for to do ins. H.

B 2

iti(li''iUHi

i/iiuriaM
piicientibviK.

Notas feci-
tuiii vias
suas iiiovsi
(iliis Israel
voluntates
eitis.

Miserator
& misericors
Aomunus
longaniiiiis
A iiuiltiini
misericors.

Non in p«-

IrasoetM/'
domi'nus.

Non Keciin-
dum peeca
nojtra facit

4

Benedic Anima Mea.

nohis neqifc
s«cund«m
iniqwitates
nostras.

Quoniam

sccujiduin
altitudinem.

Quantum
distat ortus
ab occi-
dente.

Quomorfo

misp?'eti<r

filiorxm

misertiis esi

do»iJni«s

timentibus

se.

Recordatus
est quo7iiam
puluis
suinus.

2^or lyke oure trespasses he is not rygorous

To do vengeaunce of his benigiiyte,]

Mercy preferring to-forne his equyte ; 77

For but his mercy soo])ely passed his right —

I cane namore, but. I seye for me,
Whane he shal deeme I durst not come in sight, 80

(11)
For affter })e hevens heghe altytude

PasseJ)e fe eor})e in comparysoun,
He hape made strong his mercy to conclude

On alle J)at drede him of truwe afEeccyoun.

I cleyme mercy and voyde away reysoun, 85

And to his grace lowly me submitte,

For vpofi mercy stant my saluac^'on,
On which to trist myn hert shal neuer flytte. 88

(12)
Als fer in seojje as Jje cleer oryent

Is in distaance whane Phebus shynej)e bright
Frome ]>q west party of poccydent,

Right so ))e lord which is moost of might

Ha))e sette oure synnes asyde out of his sight, 93

His doome delaying f^at we may come to grace,

Making appeel to m^j-cy frome his right,
What synfuH ellys durst peer afore his face 1 96

(13)
And as a fader mercyful is founde

Vpoii his childre for to haue pytee,
Right so ]'e lord of mercy most habouade

Is mercyful to alle Jjat dreedful be,

For he allone knowejje our freeltee,
And who of hert can dreed him, loue, and serve ;

Nowe graunt vs lord, of fy benignytee,
]\Iercy toforne or we by doome deserue. [p. 23]

(14)
He is Remembred jjat we but poudre be,
A mannys dayes beon but welked hay.

101

104

77 preferrith A.
what synfull t H.

80 in liis ins. A. 94 to] by H. 96 Ellys

Bencdic. Anima Mca.

Or lyke a floure fill fey re and fresshe to se

Which in feelde faadejje and go))e awey,

For whane beautee is cloosed vnder clay, 109

Fare weel of yoii)?e al J)e lustynesse,

\\niicll tyme 0 lord, ne sey not to vs nay
To haue mercy vpon oure wreccliednesse. 112

(15)

))e spiryt of man shal soone frome him passe

Al sodeynly, and no whyle abyde,
Tn ])is worlde here no more knowe liis place,

And fare weel j^anne al worldly pompe and pryde,

Sette lordship and ricchesse ])anne a-syde, 117

Al tresor here nys but transytorye ;

Wherfore, 0 lord, let mercy so provyde
)5at we wi]) pee may regnen in J)y glorye. 120

(16)

)5y mercyes, lorde, beon preysed frome eterne,

Euer lasting, who can beliolde and se,
Wlio louepe ])ee and can with dreed conserne

)?y kyndenessis and py gret bountee,

To alle suche py mercy is mooste free, 125

And of a mayde thorughe mercy fou were borne,

Thorughe whos preyer and humylytee,
For lack of mercy ne lat vs nat be lorne. 128

tronsibit
in illo.

Misericor-
dias autf-/»i
ab eterno
et vsque.

(17)
And of pis lord pe gret rightwysnesse,

Meynt with his mercy by lyneal discent,
Slial sprede to children pat doon hir bysynesse

For to obserue of hert his testament,

And truly keepe his comaundement, 133

Jjeyre issu no mescheef slial encoumbre ;

Xowe, goode lorde, of feythful truwe entent,
Graunt me grace I may beon of pe nourabre. [p. 24] 136

Et iusticia
illius infilios
tilionod hiis
qui sfcua/it
testamea-
tum eius.

112 on A. 113 A ends here. \IZ-\2Q repeated i. 120

regiie H. 121 prcysccl] cnnimended H. 122 whoo that ins. H.
134 issu] geuderure t. 136 beon] be on H.

ins. t.

136 So giaunte

Benedic Anima Mea.

Et niemoies
sunt man-
data t'ua.

Doiiiimis in
celo.

Beneiiicite
donuno
omnes an-
geli.

Benedicitrt
domino
onuifts vir-
tutes.

141

144

(18)
For ])ey beon fully, as in feyre ententys,

Of oon hert stable as any stoone,
Remembring ay of his comaundementes,

For to fulfiUe hem and forget noon,

But hem conserve, what so fey ryde or goon,
l>row goode lord, moost stedfast and moost kynde,

Rent on ])e Roode bytwixe Marye and lohu,
To-fore pou deenie vs haue mercy in })y myude.

(19)
God in his palays above celestyal

Hape bylt a see and a manysoun ;
And his regne moost Imperyal

HaJ)e ouer al his domynacyoun,

And al stant vnder his subieccyoun ;
Wherfore, 0 lord, thenk on oure freeltee,

And late )>y mercy beon oure p?'oteccyou?^
For ojjer saufconduyt haue I noon for me.

(20)
Alle J)e Aungelles of euery lerarchye,

Blessepe ))ee lord with al your ful might,
Mighty of vertu Ids preceptis to applye.

His worde tacomplisshe, as it is skil and right ;

His voyce, his speeche, herkenyng day and night, 157
By attendaunce aboue ]je sterres cleer.

Nowe, goode lord, of mercy sheed py lyght
Myn hert tenhimyne pat boughtest me so deer.

149

152

IGO

(21)
And alle ]iq vertues of )?ee lord also,

GyveJ^e laude and prys to his magnyfysence
And blessefe him as yee aught to doo,

Alle hees mynistres with duwe reuerence,

Which ]>ai doon with duwe diligence
His wille, his word, and may not disobeye.

0 lord do mercy ageyne my gret offence.
Or cruwel dee|)e me sodeynly werrey.

1G5

[p. 25] 168

138 Any] is the marbul tH.
Neu«r 0011 ins. H, ner oon t.
we H. 164 yee liis ins. t.

agenst offence t.

139 of his] on thy H. 140

144 ]ri/] om. H. 152 noon hatie

167 moost mighty doo mercy

Benedict US Dnts.

(22)

Blesscjjc ))ee loid, 0 yee his werkes allc,
Yclie place where he hafe domynactoii,

0 ]»ou my soule vn-to |)ee lord do calle,
And to his lord gif benediccyoun,
For ly£f and dethe, and oure saluacjon

Eternally depende|)e iu his grace,

Asseele oure quytaunce with ]>y redenipcion,

Whane ))ou shalt deme vs stondyng to-fore py face.
Explicit Anima niea domino &c.

173

BRnndicitB
domiiio
oiiixia diicia
oiiis at.

2. BEXEDICTUS DEUS IX DON IS SUIS.
[MS. Laud 683, leaves 31, back, to 33.]

(1)
God departeth his gyftes dyuersly, [leaf 3i, back]

To su»mie he yeveth wit and dyscressioun,
To synful peple at leyser doth mercy,

Yeueth to siwmie grace and perfeccyoun,

Sujnme he enspireth with devossioun
Be influence of mercyfuU pyte,

For wich we oughte conclude of resoun
In alle his werkis blyssed mot he be.

(2)
He in his gyfftys moost gracious is and good, [leaf 32]

Shewed in story be plentyvous largesse,
Fro deth preserved Xoee in the fflood

For his famous j^rerogatyf of clenuesse ;

Gaff Abraham ffeith, trust, and stabylnesse,
Credence assured, the byble who lyst se,

For wich Example we may seyn & expresse
In al his gyfftes, " lord, blyssed mot ye be."

God Rivelh
his gifts
diversely,

13

16

let us bless
him for all.

Gave Noah
purity.

Abraham,
faith.

172 lordship t, lord TH. E.vplicit] am. t.

MS. Bodlev Laud Misc. 683, leaves 31 back-33 = L ; R.M.
Harley 2255, 'leaves 142-143 = H. 4 a^wf] of H. 7 !<r] he.

8 werkys .seyn im. H. raut. H. 15 For] By H. 16 yc] he.

8

Benedidus Deus.

Isaac and
Jacob in-
crease,

Moses to
lead Israel,

and David

royalty,

Solomon
wisdom,

Absalom
beauty,
victory to
Judas,

patience to
Job,

conquest to
Alexander,

faith to
Judith,
prophecv to
the Sibyl,

Esther
humility,
Jezebel
pride,

(3)
To Ysaak this lord gaff gret Encres,

Graunted Jacob plenty vous habundaunce,
Also he graunted to horned Moyses

To lede from Egypt al Israel, in substau??ce,

Maugre Pharao and al his ifell puyssauwce, 21

Promys parfournied be niyhty losue ;

Lat us therfore say for a remembraunce
" In alle his gytftes blyssed mot he be." 24

(4)
God gaff Dauyd roiall excellence,

As seitli the byble, moost ffor his meeknesse,
To Salamon souereyn pacyence,

And tlierwith all plentyvous Eychesse,

And Absolon excellent ffayrnesse, 29

Strengthe, victorie, to ludas Machabee,

Whos woord was this of knyhtly hih prowesse [if- 32, bk.]
In alle his gyfftes blyssed mot he be. 32

(5)
He suffred lob lese al hys tresour,

But ther ageyn he gaff hym pacyence ;
Made Alysau??dre a myghty conquerour,

Pore Dyogynes lyst do hym no reuerence,

Ee-tween hem two ther was gret difference, 37

The toon in pride, the tother in poverte,

Texempleffye, breffly in sentence.
What euer lesn sent blyssed mot he be. 40

(6)
Other stories ther been of womanheede,

God gaff ludiht feith, trust, and stabilnesse.
To Sibile, in Austyn as I reede,

Cristis comyng be writyng did Expresse,

Crowded Hester quen for hir famous hu??iblesse, 45
lesabell prowd was cast dou». from hir see ;

T)ius God avaunceth folk for her meeknesse,
In alle his gyfftes blyssed mot he bee. 48

19 Preeellens to H. 24 lord blessyd ins. H.

H. 32 god blessj'd im. H.
god H. 46 losabell H.

blessyd i7is. H.

57 th-er teas] was a H.
47 tlier lowlj-nesse H.

ii sapience

40 Icsu']

48 lord

Bcnedichis Dens..

(')
Thouli Goil to wives liath yove gret suffraii«ce,

They be not alle a-lyk pacyent,
To suffre wrong it were a greet penaunce,

Or be mysbode in herte whan tliey be brent ;

God and nature hatli yove lieni a patent [leaf 33]
Df tonge and mouth to haue ther lyberte,

Sum meek, so7?irae crabbid, su??nne be elloquent,
In alle his gyfftes blyssed mote he bee.

53

56

patience to
wives,
though all
are not
equally
fiifted in
this.

(8)
To conclude breeffly in this mater,

Let alle folk thank the lord of his goodnesse,
AVliateuer he sent, with hool herte & entyer,

Whether that it be poverte or Kichesse,

Strengthe of body, helthe, or long syknesse,
Wordly ifavour, loye, or prosperyte

Eeste on this word for the more sekirnesse,
In alle your gyfftes, lord, blissed mot ye be !

61

64

To conclude,
bless the
Lord for all.

(9)
He may the riche with ))e wheel turnyng,

Witnesse of lob, make the to dyscende,
Of a shepperde he made Dauyd a kyng,

Nabugodonosor with bestis Eet provende ;

Pryde in a beggere is nat to comende,
For wich, ye folk of hih and lowe degre.

That grace and fortune your statis may ame^ide,
Seith, what god sent, blyssed mot he be.

Think of
Job, David
Nebuchad-
nezzar, and
their
changes.

69

72

55 been. 57 in] oin. H. 59 hool] al our. (t- om. H. 60
"Wheer. 62 adueisyte H. 63 the inorc] iiioost H. 64 ye]

he H. 66 the] hym H. 67a (2) am. H. 68 provende H.

70 folleys H. 71 amende] endnre H. Colophon : Explicit qtiod
lydgate H.

10 Deus in Nomine Tuo.

3. DEUS IN NOMINE TUO SALUUM ME FAC.
[From MS. B. M. Cotton Caligula A II, leaves 64, back, to 65.]

(1)
God save God, ill tliv name make me safe and sounde ; lUiafoi, baokj

me! . .

And in thi vertu me deme & lustifie,
And as my leche serch vnto the grounde

That in my soule ys seke, and rectifie :

To haue medicine afore thi dome y crye, 5

Wherfore of endeles mercy ax y grace

That y desposed be vch day to dye,
And so to mende, whyll y haue tyme & space. ■" 8

(2) Deus exaudi.
Hear my Qod, gj-aclously here thou my prayere,

The wordes of my mouth with ere perceyue,
And as thou on the rode hast bought me dere,

So make me able thi mercy to receyue ;

Yf that the fende with frawde wolde me deceyue, 13
In thi ryght syde ther be my resting place ;

Ther ys my cowfort, as y clere conceyue,
Whych may me mende, whill y haue tyme & space. 16

(3) QUUM ALIENI.

for aliens For alienes, lord, haue ryse agaynes me,

have risen ' ' J o j

against me. And peple stronge my sely soule haue sought ;
But for they purpose not to loke on the,
Gramercy, lord, hir malyce greueth nought.
Thi passiou?? be emp?-mted in my thought, 21

MSS. Cott. Cal. A II, fols. 64l)-65a=C; Harley 116, leaf 127 = lii
Harley 2255, 146b-148a = H ; Ashmole 59, fols. 69-70 = A. Stanza-
headings from HA oin. LC. Rubric in 'KDcus in nomine tuo : in
A Nowe folowe]>e ))e salnie of Deus in nomine tuo translated owte
of latyue in to englisshe by Lydegate daun lolian, running titles
same abbrev. om. h. 1 thou make iiis. h. 3 vnto] clerly be H.
4 and] })ou HA. 5 or that thu H. 6 Wherfore of] Now A.
I aske AH. lord I ins. A. 8 tyme and] lyves A. 9 }>ou here
nowe A. \0 my]mn. K. 11 And]om.'ii. as] so h. rode]

Crosse HAh. boughtest a ful dere i^is. h. 12 m^] om. h. thy]
ovi. A. 1.3 the] om. A. 14 dwellyng place HA 15 cleerly H.
16 That HA. 17 rysen ayens HA. 18 haue sore my soule A.
19 pur^joosyd HhA. 20'greue3h. 21 printed A. into H.

Deus in Nomine Tim.

11

The chefe resort my fleschlj' foo to chase ;

On hit to be remenibred well y aught,
Which may me raende, whyll y haue tyme & space.

(4) ECCE ENIM DEUS.

Behold, for soth, pat god hath holpen me,

And of my soule our lorde ys vp-taker ;
Wher y was thrall, lord, thou hast made me fre ;

Whom shall y thank hot the, my God, my maker?

When y shall slepe, my kep^r and my wakcr,
In eueri peryll my con fort and my grace ;

For of the synfuU art thou not forsaker.
That wyll amende, whill they haue tyme & space.

(5) AUERTE MALA.

Turne euell thynges vnto mj' mortall foon.
And in thi treuth disperpyll hem and spylle,

So that they be confounded euerychone
That wolde me stere to dysobaye thi wyll.
The dewe of loue and drede on me distyll,

That dedely synne ne do me not deface ;

That y thi hestys fayle not to fulfille, [leaf 65]

Whech may me mende, wliyll y haue tyme & space.

(6) YOLUNTARIE SACRIFICABO.

I shall do to the wylfuU sacrifice,

And knoulech to thi name, for it is good.
All oder worldely weele y wyll dispice

That floweth oft, and ebbeth as the tloode.

Thy blesed body, sacred flesh and blode
With all my hert beseche y euer of grace

Hit to receyue, in clennes for my foode.
Hit may me mende, whill y haue tyme & space.

24

Tho Lord
has iiui'lo iiio
free.

29

^2

Turn evil
tilings unto
mine
(•iieniies.

37

40

I will sacri-
fice to Thee.

45

48

22 my fleschhj foo\ Jie feonde awej-e A. 2-3 ful weel ins. If.
On })at remembre well forso)>e me ought A. 24 which H. it

h. And beo amended A. ti/iae and] lyves A. 25 ]>a.f. (jod] oure
lorde h. helpyne h. 26 of] for H. of my lord t>e soule A.

he ys HhA. 28 Wham h. 29 wardeine and my maker A,

hut otids the line correct as in C. 31 not] uevir H. 32 amende
thera m'?. H. 35 lye h. 37o?i]ofh. 38 ?;«] om. H. W not]
never A. 40 and so to amende H. 41 to l^ee do A. wylfully h.
43 All] And HA. 46 eiur] ay A. 47 ^at never |>e fende.s

fynde me in ot)er moode A. 43 which Hh. But ever tainende A.
lyvea space A.

12

Dctis in Nomine Tuo.

For Thou
hast de-
livered me.

Jov to the
Father, to
the Son, and
the Holy
Ghost.

As it was in
the begin-
ning, is
now, and
ever shall
be, Amen.

(7) CUUM EX OMNI TRIBULACIONB.

For fro all trouble thou hast delyuered me,

And on enmyes myn eye hath had despite,
Wlier-fore y wyll perseuer all way with the

In full entent that kyndenesse for to quite ;

And that y may performs thus my delite, 63

Helpe, mayden clene, & modyr full of grace !

That neuer the fende me finde in oder plite.
But euer to mende, whill y haue tyme & space. 66

(8) Gloria patri et filio.

loye to the Fader, full of grace & miglit,

Whos hye powere all thyng may preserue !
loye to the Sone, that in a virgyn lyght

And for oure gylt vpon a cros wold sterue !

loye to the Holy Gost, tliat doth conserue 6l

Oure clere conceyte by confort of his grace !

0 blessed Trinite ! well owe we to reserue
Louynge to the, whill we haue tyme & space. 64

(9) Sight erat ix principio.
That ys and was, with-owte begynny?zg,

Thre in oo substaunce, hye god in commvtable,
With-owte ende, eternall, enduryng,

All-myghty, ryglitwys, and mercyable.

Gracious to all contrite, and co?«fortable ; 69

Both lord and leche to all that lust haue grace ;

Wyth oyle of mercy, to myscheue medcynable,
Hele all myn hirt of synne with tyme & space. 72

Explicit.

49-56 07n. A. 50 on myn ins. Hli. eye Hh. eiie C (?). 52
that] om. H. for] oni. H. qxdte'] aquyght H. wliite h. 54 Helpe me
lord of mercy and full of grace C [so tcritten over erasure, the erased
words given above). 55 o])er h. otlier H. fynde me H. 57 ff.
Instead of stanzas 8-9 II. substitutes three entirely different stanzas,
tvhifh are possibly spurious. See below. 57 Icy be li. loye beo
inn. A. grace d-] om. hA. fat is so ins. A. 62 concent h. 63
belsett h, SIC. aught A. tolovi. K. 64 whill^om. 65 with
6uten A. 66 hye etc.] Lastinge eternal A. 67 ende] om. h.
Loid of heven of eor>e ])at made al thinge A. 68 almerciable
A. all mercyable H. 69 to all] om. A. and ay ins. A. 70
that Ah CM. C. 72 my h. Imwe heele myne hert Whyle I haue
lyves space A. Colophon H. Y^jXplicit q?<,od lydgate. Stanzas 8, 9,
1 0 7rnd asJoUows :

Benedict lis Deus. 13

(8) Gloria patri et filio.

Glorye be to the Fadir our souereyn lord, [leaf 148|

To thy blystul Sone be laude withoutyn ende,

and to the hooly speryt that madyst of Oon accord
hevene and eithe, whan thou dyst discende
In to aniayde, that nevir yit did oftende ; 61

0 lord ! to whoom mercy appropryd is, and grace,
Haue on me mercy ! and troo the feend me dytfende,

That I may amende whyl I haue tyme & space. 64

(9) SiCUT EUAT IN PKIXCIPIO.

As was thy joye, now is, and evir shall

Endure for evir, tyme withoute mesure,
and sith in thy lordsliippe conceived is al,

haue mercy, lesu ! upon thy syuful creature.

My grevous wou7(de whoo myght it bettir Cure ; 69

Thaune be in pr/jsence of thy biysful face ?

0 helpe now Icsu ! that I may be sure
To amende me, whyl I haue tyme and space. 72

(10)

0 deer godhede ! and moost clennest merour !

In whom aunrfelhjs desire to beholde.
And alle hevenly seyntes given lawde k honour

To thyn E7npyre, so many a thousand folde ;

Resceyve in gree, in synne though I be oolde, 77

My synipyl prayeer in to thy joyful place,

and yif me grace thy will fulfille and hoolde
So to amende, whyl I haue tyme and space. 80

Explicit quod I-ydgate.

14 An Hpistle to Sihille.

4. AN EPISTLE TO SIBILLE.

A Paraphrase of Proverbs xxxi. 10-31.

(MS. Ashmole 50, leaf 59 back-62.)

1 Lenvoye by Lidegate. Here folowe|?e an Epistel
made by \>e same Lidegate sende to Sibille with
pescbewing of ydelnesse. [i leaf so, back]

(1)
The chief gynnyng of grace ami of vertue [leaf oo] 1

To exclude sloufie is ocupacz'ou/j,
Martlia minystred to our lord Jesu,

And Maria by contemplae^o^^n,

)?eos bojie tweyne, of clene entencyoun, 5

For to exclude al maiier ydelnesse
pehe labour sette in vertuous besynesse. 7

(2)

fiIid°aTi'itu- ^^^^"^ is it ]jat cane nowe fynde suche tweyne,
ous woman, Qr of feiie sectc one verraily in dede,
Whiche J)at list in labour do suche peyne,
Thorugh diligence longinge to -womanhede ?
By excercyse jjeire werkes oute to sheede 12

To gif ensaumple, voyding ydelnesse,
How ]>ey in vertue shoulde do peire "besinesse. 14

(3)
for iier price Vje lavde of hem and be price gobe feire

15 far above ' i x c j

rubies. ^s by reporte to many fer cuntree,

Labour with vyces of custume holdefe werre,

Where as it fallepe that femyninytee

CaAvse]>e slowpe frome housholdes for to flee, 19

pat he dar nought have none Interesse
To interupte vertuous besinesse. 21

(4)
Suche a woman, mayde, widowe, or wyffe,
Men shoulde of right comende and magnefye,

All IJjnstk' to Sibil/ e.

15

Tlie heart of
her husband
doth safely
trust in her.

She will do
him f^Dod at
all times.

Namely alle ))eo pat boon intentyffe

In diligence Jjeire wittes to ap])lye,

For alle suche, I dar wel specefye, 26

Namely Avyves bencresce of gret richchesse
Gretly delyte in hooly besynesse. 28

(5)
An liousbande whicli ])'it suche one dope possede

May hertly trusts in hir governaunce, [leaf 60, back]
To robbe or spoyle for he liape no neode

He fyndepe in hir so niuclie suffisaunce,

Of worldely plentee fulsum habondanco, 33

And in hir soule ful goostely gladnesse,
Ay nioste reioyssing vertuous besynesse. 35

(6)
Sheo shal preserve him fronie al damage

At alle tymes, and of hir gret bountee,
With right gode chere and a glad visage

Shewe him gret signes of liuge humylite ;

In clopemakinge sheo shal eke besy be, 40

Wolle and flexsse vn-to hir servant^ dresse,
Sette hem on werke in vertuous besynesse. 42

(')
Sheo resemblepe a shippe of marchandyse,

From ful fare providing hir victayle,
With Avache also sheo cane aught devyse

)3at hir housholde of stuffe shal not fayle.

In truwe pourchace ful muche sheo shal avayle, 47

Bigyngc in tovne on feelde muche besinesse,
Ahvey in trouthe vsinge avisynesse. 49

(^)

With hir handewerk and hir houswyfrede Ever busy,

Sheo besy aye anionge in hir gardynes,

Provydence did aye hir brydel lede,

Plauntynge amouge hir lousty fressh vynes,

Wliich pat brought forpe delytable vynes 54

Ysinge a girdel aboute hir of clennesse,

Her lyff tenbrace in vertuous besinesse. 56

She is like
the mer-
chants'
ships.

16

An Epistle to Sihille.

her candle
goeth not
out by night.

She stretch-
eth out her
hand to the
poor.

(9)
Aad for sheo saughe ])at hir werke was goode

Hir ciere lanterne shal never qwenche his liglit,

And of hir porta to telle yowe howe it stode,

With truwe Lucre concluding vp-on right [leaf in ]

Hir fingers smale, lyche a truwe maystresse,
In silke and waving did hir besynesse.

(10)
To the poure folke did hir almesdede,

Hir armes oute a-fer she gaue to reeche,
Of colde in wynter hir meynee thare not dreede,
For in suche eas sheo was a prudent leche,
Alle hir servantes vertues ay to teche,
Were twyes cladde, hem kepinge fronie distresse
In somer and wynter by hir besynesse.

(11)
.Herciothing Rayed motleys of divers silke and golde free,

IS SI IK find

purple. Of fyne pourpur was wrought hir garneraent,

Amiddes fe gates of fat royal cytee

Sete hir housbande, so noble and prudent,
On trespassours to give his Jugement,
With Senatours his doome he can dresse,
Eefourraynge wronge witli vertuous besynesse.

Gold and
silk cloth,

and a girdle
she made.

(12)

Of golde and silke sheo made a ryche clofe
And solde it affter thorughe hir providence,

And for J>at fame ful far in vertue goJ)e
Sheo made a girdel of gret excellence
For to represse pe mighty vyolence

Of Canandus wilful wrecchednesse,

Sheo brideld hir with vertuous besynesse.

(13)
strength and Of force, of clenuesse, and of honestee,

honour are

her clothing. And of iayrreuesse made was hir vesture,
Hir to defende in al adversitee

Of feyth, of troupe, shal beo hir armure.
And sheo shal love, of entente moste pure,

61

63

68
70

75

, 77

82
84

89

An Epislle to Sihillc.

17

Hir last daye of verray perfyteuesse,

Deservinge heven by vertuous besynessc. [leaf oi, Uoki 91

Hir moiijje sheo opunde for to be enspyred

With ))e grace of goostly sapyence,
|3e trou))e of hir was specially desyred

Lowe of hir speche, of womanly clemence ;

And sheo considerd of wit and hye prudence, 9G

Of hir housholde ))e papes for to dresse
))at al concluded of vertuous besynesse. 98

She opened
liKr iiioutli
witli
wisUoiii.

(15)

In ydelnesse sheo eete not hir bred

Her childre aroose and blest did hir calle,

And hir housbande prudently toke hede
And prej'sed hir amonge hir folkes alle, —
So tinally it is now J)ug byfalle,

Thourgh his wisdanie atnl gret avisynesse

Sheo al governed by vertuous besynesse.

(16)

Many doghtren of olde antiquytee
Gadred golde, goode, and gret tresore,

But sheo surmounted by autoritee,

To reken hem alle, by diligent labour.

She gate hir price, lawde, and gret honnoz<?*,

By ])at worching of gracious richchesse

Shutte iu hir coffres by vertuous besynessc.

(1')
Al worldly besynesse nis but vanytee,

Grace of fayresse as a floure do))e fade ;
Fresshnesse abydejje in mutabilitee

And persinge eyene with })eire lookis glade ;

Al froyte do))e falle, whane trees beon overlade,
And al dooJ)e waste sauf oonly 2)erfytnesse
Slou})e to exclude with vertuous besynesse. ■

103
105

In idleness
she eateth
not her
bread.

She excelleth
all.

110

112

117

11 '.i

Favour is
deceitful.

111. Stanza 18 is repeated, the only change being in I. 122, ]>q
lorde above] \>e hyest lorde.

LYDGATK, .M. P. C

18

The Patcr-Nostcr Translated.

but a prud-
ent woman
shall be
praised.

Wives and
maidens.

I speak to
you hunibly.

Let Lady
Sibyl re^id
this letter,
and receive
it well.

(18)
But a woman provident in dede,

I mene suche one fat prudent is aud wyse,
)3e whiche of Heite ]>e lorde above doj^e drede, [leaf 62]

Sheo Avorjjy is to haue a ful gret pryce,

For sheo conceyvefe by circumspecte avj'cc, 124

Whatever sheo doj^e and with gret redynesse
Texclude slouj^e with vertuous besynesse. 126

(19)

VERBA FACTORIS.

0 yee wyves and wydowes nioste entiere,

And godely niaydens yonge and fresslie of face,

What ever be sayd as in ])is matere,

Ful humbully I putt me in youre grace,

And remembrefe every houres space 131

jpat moder of vyces is wilful ydelnesse,

And grounde of grace is vertuous besynesse. 133

(20)

LENVOYE.

Go, lytel pistel, and recomande me

Vn-to my ladye which cleped is Cybille,
Pray hir to haue rouJ)e and eke pitee

Of ])Q dulnesse of |?is my rude style.

And as pis dytee dofe also compyle, 138

Let hir labour, avoydyng ydelnesse,
Vsinge hir handes in vertuous besynesse. 140

5. THE PATER NOSTER TRANSLATED.
[MS. Trinity Coll. Camb. R. 3. 21, leaf 274.]

^ Hie sequit?^/' Oracio dominica ^er dionnnum Zohann%m
Lydegate translata. [i leaf 274]

(1)
Our Fatiier, Qure glorious fl'adyr \>ai art in heuell,

which art in ° "^ ' '

heaven Kepe vs jjy chyldre pat })ow has wrought,

Graunt vs these petycions seuen.

As thy son taught \ai hath vs bought, 4

The Pater- Noster Translated.

19

Tliy name be haknvy.l in aH oure tliought,
The fende confusyd \vith aH liys wylys,

Thy Image we been, forsake vs nouglit,
0 Pater noster qui en in cells !

(2)
Thy kyngdom, Fadyr, late come tyH vs,

That we liad lost jsorough dedely synne,
But now thy son, oure Lord lhe.>*MS,

Hatli brokyfi \e prysouw fat we were ynne,
The dyse were cast, fow dydyst vs Avynne,

The fende confonndyd wtt/i aH his wyles,
Let come fy kyngdom, we ben J>y kynne,

Pater noster qui es in celis.

(3)
As ]>j wyH, Fadyr, ys done aboue.

So here in ertlie \y wyli be done,
Make clene oure herte.^, set pere Jjy loue.

For w/t/iout ))y helpe oure \ahour ys none ;
Teche vs thy wyH or gmce be gone,

The fende confusyd viiih aH his wyles,
And wt't/i thy me;-cy graunt vs pardone

Pater noster qui es in celis I

Oure dayly brede yeue vs thys day,

Bothe bodyly and gostly sustenaunce,
Ellys we shuH fayle here in fjys way

But yef |)ou make som purueaunce,
Of gostly foode sende vs habundaunce,

The fende confusyd vfiih all his wyles.
And erthely frutys aftyr f)y plesaunce,

0 Pater noster qui es in celis !

Also, good Fadyr, foryeue oure dettys

To aH oure dettors as we foryeue,
Oure gostly sauour somtyme hit lettys,

"When other be temptyd vs for to greue.
To here hyt esyly pow can vs releue,

The fende confusyd with aH hys Avyles,
Helpe vs ]>y chyldre of Adam & Eue,

0 Paler noster qui es in celis.

linllowed be
Tliy name.

16

20

24

28

32

3C

40

Tliy kinc-
flom come,

Thy will be

done,

on earth as

it is in

heaven.

Give «s this
day our
daily bread,

and forgive
us our debts
as we forgive
our debtors,

c 2

20

A Prayer in Old Age.

and lead us
not into
temptation,

but deliver
u8 from evil.

(6)
SufFre vs nat faH in-to temptacioii,

Whether hit com of flesshe or feude,
Kepe vs from aH foule delectacion,

For bytternes ys euer ]>e last ende, —
Yeue vs now grace cure lyfe to amende,

The fende confusyd with aH his wyles,
And neuer fy goodnes more to offende,

0 Patet noster qui es in celts.

(7)
And whateuer offence ys done before

In fought, worde, dede, or countenaunce,
For pe furst day fat we were bore,

We aske now grace of repentaunce,
And here to performe oure dew penaunce,

Kepyng oure wytte*- and )?y hestes ten,
And gracious Fadyr take no vengeaunce,

Sed libera nos a rnalo. Amen.

44

48

52

56

Forgive,
Lord, the
sins of
youtli.

of middle
age,

6. A PRAYER IN" OLD AGE.

[MS. Bodley Hatton 73, leaf 116 to 116 back].

(1)
All the trespas of my tender youthe, [leaf ii6]

Wyth grevous gyltes rekenyd of yonge age,
Wyth the gode lord make hem not couthe

le^'u, till tyme that thy wrath aswage.
Myn ignoraunce with insolent outrage,

Lyke my deserteys, lord, doo not recorde
Tyll pees be leyde, and pitee for ostage,

That ryght and mercy may graciousli acord.

The myspende tyme of all my mydle yeris,
When lust with fors was fresh yn that sesoure,

My froward fals foren desires,

Wyth many olde diuerse transgressioun,

12

Collated with Lambeth Pal. MS. 344, leaf 10 to 10 back = L.
3 hem hym. 6 accorde corr. to recorde. 9 The My. 11

foreyii.

Tc UdiiH Laudamus.

21

Fer fro vertu, contrarye to I'esoim, —

O lord, late pite tliy rygore qveine
Or tliat lugement Jo execucioun ;

Blyssid le.-'u ! do mercy or thou deme. 1 G

(3)
l)uryng that age I coude not aduertyse,

Of necligeiis in my memorial),
15y jirovidens to see this straunge gyse,

Alls wordely fresshnesse by processe shall appalle ; 20
And how fortune amonge hir chaun^es alle

When folk lest wenyth, her servauntis cast doun ;
Then is no mene, but to clepe and calle

To mercy and grace and Cristes passiou/i, 24

Forsake me not, lord, in my dayes olde, [leaf ne, laok]

Whenne febylnesse hath crokyd bak and chyne,
Currage and blode appalle, and wexe colde ;

My blyndnesse, lord, with grace do illumyne, 28

And lat the lyght of mercy one?- me shyne.

Or that the roUe be rad of myn outrages :
11iy blode, thy passiouw, graunt me for a signe,

Mercifull lean, to patyse my passages. 32

Amen.

when I <lid
not know
Fortune's
wiles.

Forsake me
not in n.y
olil age.

7. TE DEUM LAUDAMUS.

[MS. Hailey 2275, leaves 43, back, to 45, back.]

(1)
Te ileum Jan(Jafuu.< ! to the lord sovereyne [leaf 43, back]

We creaturys knowlech the as creatoure ;
Te, etermim jjatrem, the peple playne,

With hand and herte doth the honoure ;

0 ffemynyn fadir funte and foundoure,
Magntis et laudahilis dominus,

In Sonne and sterre thu sittyst splendoure,
Te laudat omnis $\)lntuf:.

We praise
thee, O God.

18 memory alle. 20 worMely. 21 oner.

24 passage. Amen om. L.

4 Insert to bifore the. 7 Insert in be/ore splendoure.

22 outrage.

22

Tc Dcum LaudamtLS.

(2)
Angels, j<iiy( omnis chorus angelorum,

With the principal lerarcliyes of the pretence,
the heavens, Tibi coriously cautant celi celoriim,

Cherubijn et Seraphyn in thy precious p?'esence ;

Incessauntly syngyng this solempne sentence,
Sanctus ! Sancfits 1 tu sunimus Sanctus !

Lord God of hostis, omnipotence,
Te lauded omnis S'^iritus.

Cherubim
and Sera-
pliim.

praise Thee.

13

IG

The heavens
aie full
of Thy
majesty.

who art
Alpha and
Omega.

(3)

Pleni sunt cell with plentevousnesse [leaf 44]

■ ■ Of grace, of vertu, and of charyte,

This travailous erthe, ful of unsurnesse
That to man is maad of thy maieste,
Proclamyng and pray.syng thy glorious fraternyte

Qui es alpha et Oo et virtus,

0 Infynyt fontayn ful of felicite !

Te laudat omnis s])intus.

21

24

(4)
Apostles, . j'g chorus glorioiis of apostolate,
Memorial make, modulacioun.
The laudable nombre of the prophetys astate
Evir loyng gaudent in lubilacioun,
Te letabilem laudat in laudacioun,
martyrs, j-g martivum candidatus exercittis

Principiii?M \:)o\onim in al pausaciou?i
Te laudat omnis SYiiritus.

29

32

the church,

prai.'^e Theo.

(5)
The cliirclies as by the worldis circuyt

Te fratrem ostendunt of moost power,
verum et venerabilem thyn oune sone of niyght,

The hoolygoost counfortere of sapience cler,

Substancial above al angelys qwer ;
Perfedus deus, altissimus,

In hertly tongis that usid been her
Te laudat omnis sipiTitus.

37

40

Te Dcuin Laudamus.

23

(6)
7'« rex CItri.<fe (jlon'e lemi, (leaf 44, back)

The sono of the fadir eternal beyiig,
ffor to delyvere man thu tokyst ful dew,

Hunianyte in a mayden yong,

Hir virginal cloistre cleene conservyng,
Xat disdeyned to take dei filius ;

Eternal glory to that excellent kyng !
Te lauded o))inis sinrifus.

(■)
Victoriously whan thu ovircomyu had

The sharpe showrys of doth and payne,
To thyn belouyd thu appertly rad,

In heuenly kyngdam wherin thu reyne,

Tu ad dexteram dei, in thy demeyne,
In gloriam patris, thu sittist sunim?<s,

In psalmys the which sanctly seyne,
Te laudat omnis s^iritus.

Tlioii,
Christ,

45

48

53

wlipn Tliou
haJst over-
come death,

sittest at
the riglit
Land of God,

56

(8)
Tu index Iliesu we beleve that thu art,

At the ludicial day of lugement,
Dyvynely there shal come, for to depart

The goode from the lUe in a moment ;

Wherfor we pray the as thu art glorious goddes sone so
sent, 61

To thy servauntys esto 2yropicius,

That with thy precious blood thu boutist fervent,
Te laudat omnis s\)intus. 64

and sh.ilt
he Judge at
the last day

(9)
Lord make us rewardid, with tliy celical seyiitis.

In eendless glory, wher is al grace,
Saluum fac populum fram peynly compleyntis,

That our Odious Enmy ageyns us haase,

Blisse lord al thyn heritage that is base
Qui es qui eras sandissimus ;

Infynyt to beholde thy formous face,
Te laudat omnis spirifus.

Save the
people,

69

72

24

Te Dcum Laudamvs.

now and
ever.

Have mercy
on us.

(10)
Pe7' singulos dies with spiritis heiieiily,

The witli obsecraciouiis we blisse and do observaiiiice ;
And thy blissid precious name we preyse Infynytly,

In this 2»'€se)ifi seculo witli liumyliau?ice ;

And in tlie Avorld of M'orldys as is thyn avaunce, 77
XIbi celicus cefus syngen sancfus,

To thy preysyngis, lord in thy laudaunce,
Te laiidat omnif< sjnritus. 80

(11)
Deere lord of thyn digue excellence,

This day conserve us from confusioun,
The which is synne, slouth, and necligence ;

Haue mercy on us, and make an vnyoun

Lat misericord discend from thy domynyoun 85

Miserere nostn lord, as thu art gracious,

And put us nat in-to perpetual prison??,
Te Jaudat omvis s\)iritus. 88

(12)

inaiiklnd" *" ^^^ ??«tse?'ifon?/a tua upon al mankynde, [ip<af45, buck]
As onr hoope and trust is fully in the ;

Thouh thy creacioun somewhat be to the nnkynde
Yit send mercy dou?« lord, from thy maieste,
That closyd was in virgynyte, 93

The Avhich is sernpifernus Jilius,

Te fratreni of heuene of gret pouste

Te laudat omnis s^irltus. 96

(13)

Lord Avith this glorious psalme of the prophete.
This is the ffynal eende of this ympiie and song,

In te domine sperani my saviour SAvete,
Lat us nat be lost lord evirlastyng long,
From this erthly synne fadir thu vs fong, 101

Tu primus <^' nouissimns

0 sapiencia of Avhom al goodnesse sprong

Te laudat omnis sipiritus. 104

E.rplicit.

Veailla Regis Frodeant.

25

8. VEXILLA EEGIS PRODEUNT.

[MS. Univ. Lil.. Cambr. Kk. 7. 6, leaves 198-199.]

II Here enduth \\% preyere to our lord I^.su / And
begynneth the ymne Vexilla regis Prodeunte.

(1)
Royal Banerys vnroUed of the kyng ueafiosj

Towai-de his Batayle, in Rosra steyned reede,
The Crosse his standart Celestyal of scliyiiyiig

Wyth purple Hewe depeynt, I tooke good lieede,

Yita was Capteyne, whech lyste hymselff he ded, 5

And to slee deth his conqueste to terniyne,

Fygure of Isaak from patriarkys seed
And downe descendid ffroni Ahrahrtmis lyne. 8

(2)
Frute of a tree caused al our lose,

AVheche to recure he weryd a purple Aveede,
Lyff sleyng deth, deyde vpon Jje Crose :

In prophesies ]ie niysteryes 3e may rede,

Thus deth geyne deth lyste his blood to schede, 13

Callid carnis conditor, p?-ophetis Avroote also ;

To make vs partable of his trivraphal mede
Criste was suspensus in patibulo. 16

(3) (Confixus clauis Innocens . • .)
Sone of kyng Dauit was slejTie, <fe his ayre,

Pure Innocent, nayled to a tree,
JMoriens ful hygh vp in ]>e Eyre,

Slouth the Tyrant for al his cruelte.

Pride w\is bore downe wiih humilite, 21

Senu??i tirannu?/i vinciens,

Where we were thrall ffau3t for our liberie,
Et nos ab morte liberans. 24

(4) (. • . Quo vlneratus in super . • .)
Ouer al this he, woundyd to the deth.

To scowre fe Ruste of our mortal grevaunce,
Vnto his fader damans jalde vp the breth.
Than Rooff his hert Longeus with a launce.
Blood & watur ran out in habondaunce, 29

20 Slough?

Royal
banners

portray tlie
Cros8.

ChriBt wn8
slain.

LoDgius
pierced His
lieart.

26

Vexilla Regis Prodeunt.

All was ac-
complished.

Now the
chief tree of
I'aradise,

whose
branches

Vt nos lauaret crimine,

0 synful man ! haue this in remembraunce, [leaf i9s, back
Manauit vnda sancfuine. 32

(5) (. • . Inpleta sunt ({uae conciuit . • .)
Al thyng acomplyssched, deth & his woundes scharpe,

With all )5e misteries of olde p?'ophesie,
The ffiineral compleyntis Dauit songe with his harpe,

W^t/; wepyng tvnis, notyd in Jeremie,

Whose Coote Armure was lyke a bloody skye
Dicendo nacionib?is,

Recoorde Esdras & Recoorde Isaye

Regnauit aliguo deus.

37

40

shall give us
mercy.

(6) (. ■ . Arbor decora & fulgida . ' .)

Fayrest of trees celestial fresche schynyng,

Wyth Royal purplys al bloody was thyn hewe,
Aftar |3y Batayle Inpp?-yal of schewyng,

For a memorial regystred newe & newe,

Palme of pis conqueste be repoort is so trewe 45

Electa digno stipite,

Cheeff gryffe of Paradise wlio so ]ie greyne.wel knewe,
Tarn sancta membra tangere. 48

(7) (. • . Beata cuius Brachiis . • .)

Blesset pat stoke, [of] whiche thys ryclie frute

Armys & body Ranson Iiicomperable
Henge on py braunchis, repaaste & cheeff refute,

Restouratyff set in oure feyth moost stable,

Geyne all oure hurtis & soorys incurable, 53

This stok statera facta est corporis,

Wheche spoylled Hell & sathaii mooste vengable
Predam qwe tulit tartaris. 56

(8) (. • . 0 crux aue spes vnica . • .)
0 only hope to wrecchis in distresse !

0 Cristus Cros ! scheeld & proteccyoii
Oure medycyne, oure Bawme in al sikenesse,
Oure rycheste triacle geyne al goostely poysofi,
And cheeff refuge in our tribulacyon, 61

God is Myn Hdpere.

27

Auge piis lusticiam,

Be the .V. wouudes & thi passion
Eeis que dona, veuiam, 64

(9) (. • . Te su?n?Ha deus trinitas . ■ .)
Thow ^at arte called Oon, too & thre, [ieafi99]

Hiest of Lordes in the heuenly cousistorie,
Alle thre, 0 God ! in pertiite vnite,

To whome be 30ue laude honour & glorie,

Myght to ))e Fader, conquest & victorie 69

Vnto )je sone, for oure rede nq:)cy oil,

To ]je holy Gooste grace to haue memorie
On his flfyue woundes & his passion. I'l

. • . Here enduth the ymne Vexilla regis prodeunt . • .

Glory to
God.

9. GOD IS MYN HELPERE.

[MS. Harl. 2255, leaves 148-150.]

(1) [leaf 148]

God is myn helpere and ay shal be,

My cheef protectour and diffence
Ageyn all nian^r of aduersite,

And ageyn al sturdy violence,

And of his mighty excellence.
He me supportith in al my uede

And to beru vp myn Impotence
God is myn helpere, no man I drede.

(2)
My souereyn trust at hyni began,

Chees hym to be my cheef socour ;
In this wourld here I drede no man,

Prijnce, Kyng, Duke, nor Emperour.

For he is the ffyn of my labour,
Guerdoun of all myn eternal neede.

And fro deeth he was my redemptour.
Whyl God lyst helpe no man I dreede.

[leaf 148, back]

God is uiy
help.

12

16

I fear no
man.

28 God is Mijn Helpere.

(3)

He has often jjg \iixt\\ me holpe in many a wyse,

And preservyd fro many greet grevauwce,
Bet than my-self cowde devyse,

Myn hope, myn helpe, my suffisaunce, 20

My soule in virtu for to avau?/ce.
That lord my brydel best may lede.

Seying thus withoute varya?/nce
Why! God lyst helpe no man I drede. 24

(^)
And yif the trouthe be weel conceyved
I dar weel seyn, whoo so lyst adverte,
None was ISTevir man yit that was discey ved

ceiveii. That trustith on hym with al his herte. 28

For which it shall me nevir asterte
What wrong that any wyght me bede,
For to seyn in al my bittyr smerte,
Whyl God lyst helpe no man I drede. 32

(5) ,lleafl-59]

I have often I liaue been oflfte in dy vers londys

beeninpeiil, , , . ,

And m many dyvers regiou«?,
Haue escapyd fro my foois hondys

In Citees, Castellys and in touns, 3G

Among folk of sundry naciou?ts
Wente ay forth, and took noon hede,

I askyd no manere of protecciou?iS,
but God was Qq^j -^yas mvn helpe agayn al drede. 40

always iny
help

(6)
Fals fortune in this wourld here,

Whan she semyth moost agreable,
Moost blauHdysshyng of face and chere,
Suych tyme she is moost disceyvable.
Fortune is jjjpe wheel ay ffekyl and vnstablc,

Hire sylf Clad in a double weede,

And for she is to varyable,
Wliyl God lyst helpe I haue no drede.

false.

44

48

God is Myn Helpere.

29

(~)
And in al wourldly greet prosperite

Men fynde nevir but litel sekirnesse,
But ohau??ge and moche mutalnlyte,

Xow poverte and now greet rychesse,

Xow tresour and now in greet distressc,
Now strong, now myghty, now bedreede,

For which in helthe and in seknesse
Wliyl God lyst helpe, no man I drede.

All is change.

56

Now in gladnesse, and now in sorwe, [leat uo, back)

Now in loye and now in greet aduersite,
To-day good freend, my foe to-morwe,

Now flouryng in greet felicite. 60 i° health,

NoM- lowe cast douw from hih degre,
As fortune lyst hire stoormys shede.

Do what she lyst, I sey for me
Whil God lyst helpe no man I drede. 64

(9)
In ellementys is offte greet trouble,

Now brightnesse, now a clowdy skye,
Chau?ige of weedir, the wourld is double,

Now helthe, now sodeyn maladye,

Vpryght to-day, to-morwe dye,
It is smal frenshippe at suych a nede,

Thus al thyng stant in lupartye,
Wher God lyst helpe ther is no drede.

the weather,

68

72

(10)
Ful offte the somyr shene sonne

In the Onjent rysith cleer and bryght,
Yit longe or Eve the Clowdys donne

Difface the fresshnesse of hir lyght ;

When day is passyd, the dirke nyght
Closith al the wourld with his blak weede ;

Above al thyng is Goddys moche myght,
Wheer he lyst helpe ther is no drede.

the seasons

76

80

30

A Defence of Holy Church.

(11)
in fame, Yif men leve in greet parfightnesse,

Folk calle hym thanne an Ipocryte ;

Yif he hym drawe to gladnesse,

Of ffooly men wyl hym attwyte.

Lawhe beforn, and bakward byte,

And mysdeme ech mannys dede,

Wherfore ther malyce best taquyte,

trust God Whan God lyst helpe ther is no drede.

alone. •' '■

(12)
Who seith the best he shal not repente,
Wheer he be yonge or Olde of age,
Say the best, He that demyth Aveel in his entent

Shal fynde therin greet avauwtage ;
And Catoun wrytt in pleyn language
The first rertu whoo so lyst it rede,

Keep your tonge froom al Outrage,
And God shal helpe, it is no drede.

(13)
Whoo lyst to hym for helpe calle,

Of helpe at nede he may nat faylle,
His helpe nevir doth appalle,

Nowther in pees, nor in bataylle,

What Enemy euir doth hym assaylle.
On lond or see whoo lyst weel spede,

Let hym avoyde plate and maylle,
Wheer God lyst helpe, ther is no drede.

and keep
your tongue.

God will
help you.

(leaf 150

84

88

92

96

100

104

ExpZfce^ quad Lydgate.

10. A DEFENCE OF HOLY CHURCH.

[MS. Harley 1245, leaves 182 back to 183.]

(1)
Most worthy ]\Iost wortlii prince, of whonie the noble fame [if. is2, v.k.
prince, ^^ yertue floureth, and in high prudence,

Laude and honour be un-to thi name,
And to thi worthi roial excellence,
The which hast been protectour and diffence

Collated with MS. Sloane 1212, leaf 3 to back, 11. 1-56.

A Defence of Holy Church.

31

Thougli thy manliode, ageyn thy niortall foon
Off Cristus spouse douhtir of Syoun,

(2)
Tliat was oppressid uhnost in tliy rewnie

Even at the poynt of hir destrucciouw,
Amyd his Citee of lerusalem,

Al bysett wit/i enmyes envyroun ;

Tamade a new transmygracioun,
Wlien she alias ! disconsolat, all one,
Ne kneugh to whanie for to make hir moone,

(3)
Bui on the floodis of fell Babilou?;,

Al solitair and trist in compleynyng,
Sat with hir children aboute hir enmchoun,

Almost fordrowynd viiXh teerys in weepyng ;

And wher as she was wonde to play and syng
In prys and honour of hir eternall lorde,
On instrumentis of musik in accorde,

(4)

Constreyned was, and almost at the prikk
Talefft hir song of holy notis trewe,

And on the salwys olde foule and thikk

To hang hir orgnes, yat were entvned newe, —
0 Goddis knyght ! till J»u list to rewe

Upon hir pitouse lamentable avoo.

Off reuth and mercy to deliyuer her froo

12

U

that saved
the Spouse
of Clirisi,

when she
liad lui other
fiiond,

19
21

26

till thou
-Q didst free her
2i b from

(5)
The mortall howndis, that wroughte hir al J)is soore, her foes

Hir to have put in captyuyte,
Off the Tyraunte Xabugodonosor,

Ferr frome the boundis, alias ! of hir citee ;

Till though of grace grauntest libertee 33

Zorobabell and also iN'eemye
Jerusalem ageyn to edyfye, 35

12 Tamade] To a mad. 19 wont S. 21 tn] by. 23 Talefft]
Ta left, trewe] newe. 24 salwi/s] salows. 26 pu] vow. 29
hmvndts] hondys. 30 have] A. 33 ]>u S thcnih H. 34 Nemye.

32

A Defence of Holy Church.

and set her
free,

from those
who would
attack the
patrimony
of Peter.

Noah's Ship
<the Church)

was saved
by you,

from the

greedy

raven.

(6)
And kepe the Temple hoole and sounde bi grace,

That stoode in way of perdicioun,
Thorugh hem \at gan to threten and manace

The libertees of Cristys mansiown,

And for to pynch att her fimdacioun, 40

In preyudice of the olde and new hiwe,
Tlie Patrymony of Petir to w/t/<drawe ; — 42

(7)_
That ther was noon her malis to wj7/;stonde,

Cristys quarell manly to sustean,
Til thow were chose for to lay to honde,

Only by grace hir champioun to been,

For to delyuer out of woo and teen 47

Noees shipp, bysett with many a wawe,
Tyl thow the watres madist to withdraw, 49

(8)
That Karibdis niyght it nat devour, (le.af issj

J^or fierce Silla wzt/i hir bitty r rage,
ffor noon but thow myght yt tho socour

To make the floodis fully to aswage,

Thoruh the straytis to holden the passage 54

Thi silff of goodnesse the rother list to guye.
Til on the hillys hy of Armonye 56

(9)

The shipp gan rest out of all dawngeer,

Maugre the rokkis of vengeaunce mercilesse, —

And that the skies wexe faire and clere

And thorugh thyn helpe that the do we chese

For to repaire with a braunch of pes, 61

When as the raven hath a careyn take

Oute of the shipp, upon his praye to wake, 63

(10)
With coverte tresoun falsely to lachche,

When he seeth tynie his desired praye
Liche a Bosarde, unwarly for to cachche
41 preyudice] S previdence H. 48 Noees] Noe.

50 karibdis] baribers. 51 fierce Silla] fercilla.
H. 54 straytis] streyghtees. 58 S ends here,

wex MS.

a S] Om. H.
52 yt S] om..
59 wexe]

A Defence of Holy Cliurch.

33

Siuale bridilys, that tliyuke on noon affniye ;

Wher-forl rede, both nyght andday
Too Goddys knyght, so goode wachch to make
Off Philistees the [Arke] bo nat take,

(11)
All Israel to bryngen in distresse,

Whos loy and lielth lith in tlii p<'/'soone,
The welfaire eke, and hooly fe gladnesse

In every thyng, of what thai ha to doune ;

"NYiierfor be ware of chaungyng of the moone
Eclipse of falselied betrassb nat the liht
Off thi goodnesse, that shyneth yitt so briht.

(12)

Thynke, how to Dauid full Innocente
Saul was fals for all his othis sworne,

!N"ad God by grace makid resistence,
His chose knyght hadde be forlorne,
Wherfor I rede j)e greyn & purid corne

Thow cherissh wel, and lay the chaff aside.

That trouth han voided, for to been her gide.

(13)

And thynke how Dauid ageyn lebusee.
When that he fouht, in Regum as I fynde,

How he made voide from Syon his Citee
Unweldy, crokid, both lame and blynde,
By which example alway have in mynde

To voide echon, & for to do the same

Oute of thi sight, that in the faith be lame.

(li)
For who is bljmde or haltith in fe faith

For any doctryne of these Sectys newe,
And Cristes techyng therfor aside laith.

Unto thy corone may he nat be trewe ;

He may dissymule with a feynyd hewe,
But take good heede, what way 'pat he faire,
Thy swerde of knyghthoode, that no swich ne spaire.

68

Let God's
knight guard
(0 lUeArk.

75

77

82
84

89

91

96

98

TliMik how
8aiil was
false to
David

and how
David
cleared the
lame out of
Sion.
Let the
lame in faith
be driven
out.

70 [Arke] hiatus here in MS.
LYDGATE^ M, P,

81 haddc] had MS.

D

34< A Defence of Holy Cliurch

(15)
And Cristis cause ahvay i'yrst preferre,

And althirnexte tin knyhtly state pyeserue
And lat this laws be tin loode-sterr,

Than grace shall tliyn honour ay conserve,
And Goddys foon manly make to sterue ; 103

Let rieor For any fals feynyd repentaunce,
scales.. Of right lat rigour holden the ballaunce, 105

(16)
Take ex- Thynke how Saule, from his kyngly place,
Saul, And frome thonour of his royall see,

"Whilome was abiect, for he did grace
To Amalech ageyn the voluntee

Of Goddys precepte, of feynyd fals pitee 110

To spare his swerde rihtf ully to bite,
When as God bad that he shulde sniyte, 112

07)
Saniuei, Wher Samuel, the pt^^fite hooly man,
Chosen of God to execute trouth,
With a swerde the rightfull doome he gan
And slough Agag, wi'tAouten any routh,
In Galgalis, wher Saule for his slouth ' 117

fforsaken was, and hoolly al the lyne
That cam of hjm m myscheff did fyne. 119

(18)
'jah, Slough nat Helye in all his holiuesse

The fals prophetis langyng to Eaal ?
0 noble prynce ! exaumple of rightwisnesse,
Off God preservid to be the myghty Avail
Of hooly churche in thyn estate royall, 124

Distroye hem tho, that falsely now werrey
Her own niodir, to whorae thai shulde obeye ! 126

(19)
And namely hem that of presumpcyoun

Dispraven hir, and hir ornamentes,
And therwithall of indignacioun

D

120 Hchje] 3IS. holly. 126 In the margin here is written in
another hand " In dei nomine." 127 And] MS. A.

.4 rroccssion oj Corpufi Cristi.

35

"Witlidrawe wokle hir rich parainentej.

O pnuloiit prynce ! tliynko wliat lier entent is, 131

Who falsely tlie hooly churcli accuse,
Forthay liemsilff the riclies wolden use, 133

_ (20)

Ileiiie?«hre also for swich transgressioim
What was the fyne of kyng Antiochus,

That proudely tooke by extorsioim

The sacred lewels from Goddis liooly lious,

Was he nat slawe, tliis tiraunt treclierou.^, 138

Witli smale -wovniys liym fretyiig inaiiyfolde.

Whan lie fill down from his chare of golde ] 140

(21)
What niyght availe his ponipe, or all his pride.

Or all the gliteryiig of his riche chare,
In which that he so proudely did ride 1

The surquedye also of Baltasar

Was it nat abatid or that he was war, 145

In Eabiloun, with a soden fall,
Whan that the honde wrote upon tlie wall ? 147

Antiochus

and Bel-
shazzar.

11. A PEOCESSIOX OF CORPUS CRISTI.

[MS. Trin. Coll. Cam. R. 3. 20, pages 349-356.]

H And nowe here folowej'e an ordenaunce of a p/r-
cessyouu of je feste of corpus cristi made in
london . by daun John Lydegate.

H ]3is hye feste nowe for to magnefye, [p:ige349]

Feste of festes moost hevenly and devyne.

In goostly gladnesse to governe vs and guye,

By which al grace doope vppon vs shyne ; 4

For now Jjis day al derkenesse tenlumyne,

131 entent is] MS. ententes. 132 Who] MS. how. 145 Was
it] MS. Wast.

MSS. Trin. Coll. Cam. R. 3. 20, pp. 349-356 = T; B.M.
Harley 2251, leaves 224, back, to 227, back = H ; Adds. 29729,
leaves 166-168 = A. 1 onagnefye nowe T A. now scratclied A.

nowe o;n. H. 2 Xow fest ins. H, 3 guye A. guyde T. guy H.
6 to H.

D 2

To celebrate
this feast

36

A Procession of Corpus Cristi.

shall be de-
clared these
"mysteries."

Adam's tree,
and tlie tree
of life.

Melohise-
decli offering
biead and
wine.

Abraham

otlering

bread.

Isaac's seed
blessed.

In youre presence fette out of fygure,

Schal beo declared by many vnkoupe signe
Gracyous misteryes grounded in scripture.

(2)
U First, J>at J)is f este may more beo magnefyed, /

Seojje and consider))e in youre ymaginatyf
For Adams synne howe Cryst was crucefyed

Vppon a crosse, to stinten al oure stryff.

Fruyt celestyal hong on fie tree of lyff,
)5e fruyt of fruytes, for shorte conclusyouw,

Oure helpe, oure foode, and oure restoratyf
And cheef repaste of oure redempcmiw.

Adam.

12

16

Melchise-
dech.

20

(3)
^ lieniembrejje eeke in youre Iinvarde entente

Melchysedec, pat offred bred and wyne,
In fygure oonly of fe sacrament,

Steyned in Eosra, on Calvarye made red,

On Sherthorsday to-fore er he was ded,
For memoryal mooste souereyne and goode,

Gaf hees appostels, takef»e here off goode heed^
His blessid body and his precyous bloode.

(4)
U Chosen of God J)is patryarch Abraham,

Example pleyne of hospitalytee,
Recorde I take, whan pat pe aungel came

To his houshokle, wheeche were in noumbre three, 28
In figure oonly of pe Trynyte,
Set to hem brede with ful gladde chere,

^ Of gret counforte, a token who list see
)5e sacrament pat stondepe on pe awter.

24

Abraham.

ponaiu
bucellairt
jianis /
Genesi.s
xliij°

1 [page 350] 32

(-5)

Isaake.

In pingue-
dinis terre
etroreceli.

U To'Ysaake God list his grace shewe

Lyneally adowne frome pat partye,
In eorpes fatnesse, aud in hevenly dewe

Frome peolly gooste descending to INIarye ;

)?at brauuche of Gesse God list to glorefye, '

7 many an ins. H. 9 the more ins. H. 21 cr] that H.

23 take herof H. 27 p«<] om. H. 33. Isaac H. ysake A.

36 the holy H. holly A. 37 lesse H.

A Procession of Corpus Cristi.

37

jiiiipviis est
paiiis fhiisti
Genesis xl.

j)\s ]\oos of llierico fressliest on lyve,

Blest among wymnieu, Luc doojje specefye,
Wlios name is fygurde here Avit/t lettres fyve. 40

(6)
^ Jacob saughe aungels goyng vp and Joune Jacob.
Vppon a laddre, he sleeping certeyne
LoAve on a stoone for recreacyoun, —

\)e whete glene crowned aboue Jjb greyne,
Forged of golde an hooste fere Inne eseyne ;
)5is Crystes bred, delicyous vn-to kynges,

With goostly gladnesse, gracious and souereyne,/
Gayue forreyne damage of alle eor)>ely thinges. 48

(")
^ \)\s noble duo, ]iis prudent Moyses, Moyses.

Willi goldin homes lyche Phebus beemys bright,
His arche so ryche, his vyole for tencresce,

With J5e manna to make oure liertes light ; 52

Figure and liknesse, who so looke aright,
\)\s goostly ma?nia being here present

To vs figurejje in oure Inwarde sight
A symilitude of pe sacrament. 56

Jacob's
ladder.

Horned
Moses with
the Ark,
manna.

(8)

Aaron.

H ))is chosen Aaron bering a liknesse.

In hoolly writte as it is clerly founde,
Of trewe preesthode and goostly parfytnesse,

jjis Innocent, ])is lambe vfith large wounde, 60

)3e feonde oure enemy outtraye and confounde, [page 351I
Is token and signs of Cristas passyoun,

Spirituel gladnesse & mooste fer to habounde,
)3is day mynisterd til oure RefPeccion. 64

Aaron, be-
ing a lamb
the " true
priesthood."

(9)

Daiiid.

IT )3ou chose of God, Dauid fiat sloughe Golye,
With slyng and stoone called ])e Chaumpyoun,

Of al Isrel, as bookis specefye,

)3at sloughe J)e Bere and venqwysshed jje lyou«, C8

_— Figure of Ihesu, ))at with his passyoun

45 I seyne H. esene A. 62 Cristes H. 68 and that H.

David, with

sling and
stone.

38

Ecclesiastes,
with an en-
closed castle
by a red
cloud.

Jeremiah,
with a
chalice

Isaiah, with
his vision of
vines.

Elijah upon
his long
journey.

A Procession of Corpus Cristi.

And verraye victoire of hees woundes fyve

Brouglit Philisteys vnto subieccyoun,
Whan Longeus spere did thorg!i his herte ryve. 72

(10)
U Ecclesiaste, myn'our of sapience, Eeciesiaste.

With cloose castel besyde a clowde reed,--
}3at same token by virgynal vydence

Sette in Marye flouring of maydenhede, 76

Which bare fe fruyt, )je celestial bred,
Of oure counfort and consolacyoun,

In to whos brest fe Hoolly Gooste, ta])e heede,
3ent to Nasareth gracyously came doune. 80

(11)
H Beholde |)is prophete called Jeremye, Geremye.

Bavisyoun so hevenly devyne
Tooke a chalyce and fast cane him hye

To presse owte lykoure of })e rede vyne 84

Greyne in |)e middes, which to make vs dyne,
Was beete and bulted floure to make of bred,

A gracyous fygure Jjat a pure virgyne
Shoulde here manna in which lay al our speede. 88

(12)
U }5is Ysayes, in token of plentee, ^saye.

A braunche of vynes mooste gracious and meete
At a gret feest him thought ]mi he did see.

And ])ere-with-al a gracyous glene of whete, [page 352] 92

Token of Joye fronie )jc lievenly seete,
Whan God above list frome Jessyes lyne

To make his grace as golde dewe doune to fleete.
To stanche our venymes wheeclie were serpentyne. 96

(13)
f Holly Helyas, by grace )?at God him sent, Heiyas.

}3e noble prophete benigne and honurable,
Made strong in spirit fourty dayes wente

In his iourney, Jje brede made him so stable, 100

Cristallyne water to him so comfortable,

70 victor H. f^/with H. 71 tlie Philistes m?. H. 79 falsetli
H. 82 Be H. and ins. H. 89 I saye H. 91 ))at om. H.
96 was H.

A Procession of Corpus Gristi.

39

1C4

Al his vyage boo])e in breile and lenke))0,

A blessid fygure verray coumfortable,
Of )>e sacrament kome}>e oure goostly strci.kefe.

IT Zacliarye holding ))ere fe fayre sensicr, Zacharyo..

"With goostely fumys as any bawme so i^woote,
Beo meditacyouns and grete preyer

]3at vppe ascendipe frome )?e hertes Koota, 108

Goostely tryacle and oure lyves bootc,
Ageynst ])e sorowes of worldely pestylence,

Alle infect ayres it puttepe vnder foote
Of hem jKit take fis bred with reuerence. 112

(15)
% Blessed Baptyst, of clennesse locke and keye, Baptist.

Mooste devoutly gan marken and declare

AVith his fingur, wlian he seyde Agnus Dei,

Shewing ))e lambe which caused oure welfare 116

On Good Frydaye was on ))e crosse made bare,

—^nd offred vp for oure Eedempcyoun

On Eestre morowe, to stinten al cure care,

Ageynst seeknesse our Restauracyoun. 120

Zaohariali,
with incense.

.John flie
Bapti.st,
declaring
Christ.

(16)

JoRn Evan-
gelist

IF ])\s holly man, jjerangelist saint Jehan

)jappocolips wrote, and eke dranke poysoun,
In Crystes feyth als stable as ))e stoone, [leaf 353)

Aboode with Ihesu in his passyoun ; 124

And for to make a declaracyoun,
0 ])e chalyce patyn a chylde yong of age

Shewed afi'ter jjere )?e consecracyoun
)3i3 brede is he fat dyed for oure outrage. jhesus.

St. .Tolm
Patmo.s.

A child with
chalii^e.

(17)
II )5is blessed Mark, Resembling jje lyoun,
In his gospel parfyte, stable and goode,
-Of bred and wvn for confirniacion

Marcus. Mark and
the lion.

102 lenffth H. 10 1 strength H. 106 swoote H. swete T A.
107 This liiie follows 112 in T, hut the lines arf correrthj numheri'd
ahdefghc; H and A. follov: the order of T ; A adds Shirleijs
lettering ; H omits it. 119 stvnte H. 126 On the H. of the 8.

40

A Frocession of Corpns Crist i

Matliew the
gospeller.

Luke.

Paul's wit-
ness.

hoc est
corpus

On Sherthorsday Eemembrejje liowe it stoode ; 132
Seyde at his souper with a ful blessed moode

To hees discyples, aforiie er he arros,

)3is bred, my body, ]ns wyne, it is my bloode

Which pat for man dyed vppoii ]>e crosse.

(18)
U Hooly Mathewe )7is elate gospeller, Matheus.

Stable, parfyte, and truwe in his entente,
He wrote and seyde, of hole herte and entiere,

Touching fis blessed glory ous sacrament, 141)

" }?is is pe cbalyce of nuwe testament
}3at schal beo shadde for many and not for oon,

For Cryste Jhesu was fronie his fader sent,
Excepcfon noone, but dyen for ecli ooue."

(19)
^ Lucas confermepe of Jiis hooly bloode,

Tavoyde aweye al Ambeguytee,
" )3is is my bodye fat schal for man beo ded.

Him to delyver frome infernal powstee ;

To Jhe?'wsalem, ))emperyal citee,
Him to conduyte eternally tabyde,

Adam oure fader and his posteritee,
By Cryst Jjat suffred a spere to perce his syde."

(20) 1 [leaf 364]

^ ^ Paulus doctor wrytej)e in his scripture,

j)e which affermefe and sey])e vs truly,
" Yif Jjere beo founden any creature

Which J)at |)is bred resceyvejje vnworjjely, 166

He etejje his doome moste dampnabully,
For which I counseyle, and pleynly ])us [I] mene,

Ech man beo ware to kepe him prudently,
Not to resceiue it, but yif he beo clene. 160

144

Lucas.

148

152

paulus
doctor
genciuHi et
Hpo«(oh(S.

The master
of wisdom, in
a cloud.

(21)
^ He fat is cleped maystre of sentence,

Sette in a cloude holde here a fresshe ymage,
Eemembrefe eeke by gret excellence,

Magister
historiar«»i.

133 Jul] om. H. blisful H. 139 hole] om. A.
iris. H A. 157 dooinc] brede H. 158 1 H.]

141 the newe]
om. T A.

A Froccssion of Corpus Crist i.

41

168

Jeronim«».

172

176

Oregon U8.

In this mater avoyding al outrage, 164

Given to man here in oure pilgr^'mage,
)?is sacrament affter his doctryne

Is Crystis body, Eepaste of our passage,
By fe Holly Gooste take of a pure virgyne.

(22)
H ])e noble clerc, )>e doctour ful famous,

AVryteJje and recordepe Remembring truly
Geyns heretykes, hoolly Jeronimus,

Howe Jiat ))is hoost is hole in ecli partye,'

BoJ)e God and man, Cryste Jhesus Verraily,
In eche pa/'tycle hoole and vndevyded,

\)\s oure byleve and creance feythfully,
Oute of oure hortes alle errours circumcyded.

(23)
II pis glorious doctour, ))is parfyte hooly man,

Touching J)is bred dojie thus determyne,
Moral Gregore, ful weele reherce he can

In his Avryting and vertuous doctryne,

Howe it is flessfie toke of a pure virgyne.
Geynst al seeknesse our cheef restoratyff,

Oure helth, welfare, Eichchest medisyn,
\)\s sacrament \>[s blessed bred of lytl'.

(2-1)
1 H Blessed Austyne rehersejje in sentence,

" Whan Cryste is ete or rescey ved in substaunce,
)?at lyff is eten of hevenly excellence, 187

Oure force, oure might, our strenkej)e, oure suffisaunce,

Qwykenyng oure herte with al goostly plesaunce,
Repast ay lasting, Restoratyff. ternal,

And remedy geynst al oure olde grevaunce
Brought Ine by byting of an appul smale. 1 92

(25)

H Ambrosius, with sugerd elloquence, Ambrosms.

"NVrytejje with liis penne and langage laureate.

With Crystis worde substancial in sentence,

175 This is H. 176 circumsised A (d alt. to s). 177-184 In
T written abef^hcd and so lefttrcd, A corrects ace. to lettering,
H does not. 183 om. H. 185-192 in T written a b c e f d g"h
and so lettered, A corrects, H does not. 190 etfrnal H.

180

sic medisyn
in a later
hand.

^ [leaf 355)
Augustinus.

St. Jerome.

Pope
Gregory.

St. Augus-
tine.

St. Ambrose.

42

The master
of history,
holding the
host.

A Procession of Corpus Cristi.

" )3e sacrament is Justely consecrate
Oiire daily foode, Renuwyng oure estate,

Recounseylling vs whan we trespas or erre,
And majje vs mighty with Sathan to debate

To Wynne tryumplie in al his mortal werre."

(26)
IF Maistre of storj'es, ))is doctour f ul notable,

Holding a Chalys here in a sorene clere.
An ooste alofft gloryous and comendable,

A pytee pleyning with a ful hevy cheere,

With face doune caste, shewing J)e nianere
Of hir compleynte with her pytous looke,

Ellas ! she bought hir sones defe to deere,
Whan he for man ])e Raunsoure on him tooke.

19G

200

Maystre of
storyes.

204

208

St. Thomas
Aquinas, in
his vision.

(27)
^ ])is hoolly Thomas, called of Algwyne,

By hie myracle pat sawghe persones three.
An ooste ful rouude, a sun?ie about it shyne,

Joyned in con by p«rfyte vnytee,

A gloryous liknesse of pe Trynitee,
Gracyous and digne for to beo comended,

With feyth, with hope, with parfyte charitee,
Al oure byleeve is J^ere Inne comprehended.

Thomas de
Alqiiino.

212

216

Receive
these figures
witli rever-
ence.

(28)

U With peos figures shewed in youre presence, [ieaf356]

By diuers liknesses you to doo plesauuce,
ResceiueJ)e hem with devoute reverence,

198 reconsilyng H. 199 makith H. myght H. 201 maister
H. master A. notabell A. 202 holdinge A. holdyng H.

chalice H. sone A. cliere H. 203 host H. oste A. aloffte A.
glorious H. comendahell A. 204 pitee H. pile A. playeng H.
pleyninge A. chiere H. 205 cast A. shewyng H. shewiiige

A. 206 compleynt A. pitous H. 207 deth H. dere H A.
209 holy H. holly A. callid H. 210 high H. hye A. sawethe
A. sawgh H. 211 ost H. hoste A. sane A. sonne H.

aboute A. 212 one A. paifite H. vynite H. %'ynte A. 213
glorious H. gloryus A. likenesse A. Trynite H. trinite A.
214 gracious H. gracyus A. be H A. coniraendid H. 215

fay the A. partite H. cliarite H. charyte A. 216 heleeve H.

beleue A. coniprehendid H. 217 there H. thos A. fygures A.
218 liknesse HA. do H A. 219 Receyvith H. devout H.

An Holy Mcdytacion. 43

)3is bred of lyfe yee kepe in Remembraunce ••• e-'carisUa

Oute of J>is lv-;ipte of worldely grevauuce,
Youre restorutytf celestyal manna,

Of which Goil graunt eternal suffysaunce
Where aungels sing everlasting Osanna.

" Shirley kou))e fynde np more of
fis Copye."

12. AN HOLY MEDYTACION.
[MS. Trin. Coll. Camb. R. 3. 20, rp. 111-116.]

H Nowe here filowe|je an holy medytacion. [p. mi
Affter be stormy tyme cesincf be ravn, when tiie

' -^ •' a I ^ storms had

Whane for ^absence of colde J)eor])e is fayn, cea,sed,

And jje qwyck thinges resceynie J)eire vygour,

And trees bringen foorjje leeff and flour, 4

And by fe glad lusty sesoun of veer

Alle J>e thinges, which pat wLntour eyr

Consumed had by his coldes gret,

Releeued weren by Jje sonnes heet, 8

And swoote gan to smellen euery mede,

be briddes eeke, warisshed of hir drede, *"* spring

' ' _ _ was come,

"With lusty herte singing in feyre greves,

Desporting hem amonge ]?e greene leves, 12

And ()at }>e dayes gonnen for to lenkejje

And ))e cleer wedir, by ))e sonnes strenkej)e,

Echaced had awey wj'ntours derknesse

By pe beemys of his shyning cleernesse, 16

220Thy3A. brede H. lyf H. 221 Egij.t H. worldly H A.
222 your A. restoratyfte A. celestial H A. 223 graunte A.

suffisaunce H. 224 angelks A. syng H. singe A. everlastyiig
H A. Colophon as in T e,r<^. of] for H.

MSS. Trinity Coll. Camb. R. 3. 20, pp. 111-116 = T, Bodley
Ashmole 59, leaves 49-52 = A. Title and running title in T, An
holy seyinge. Title in A, Here nowe folowet>e an hnly meditaczon
made by t'e Religious man Lidegate daun lohan fe Munk of Bury.
Kunning titles, pe Religious Munk of Bury/ Uaun lohan Lidegate,
]>e Munk of Bury / Dana lohan Lidegate. 4 Trees and herbes A.
6 ]>at] ]>e A. 10 hir gret ins. A. 11 herte A, hert T. 13

lenk})e. 14 strenk>e A. 15 Hade chaced aweye )>e wyntours A.

44

An Huhj Medytoxion.

when men's
wits are
quickest,

I was tired
of study,

and hied me
to the green-
wood.

where the
binls' song
set me
thinking.

and my soul
said to my
body : —
"O filthy
flesh,

J5e whicfe sesoim caused men for to be

Qwyckest in witt of any tyme, panle,

At whiche tyme ninve mutacyoun

To alle grene tliinges dope consolacyoun, 20

And mennes thoughtes dulle in ydelnesse,

Ocupiepe and clensijje by swettnesse, —

Of studying, loo, J5us hit happend me,

Amiddes pis sesoun, lusty for to see, 24

Witli greuous study annoyed was myii liert,

Oute of pe whicli ne wist I hoAve tastert.

But to pe grenes fast I can me hye,

Wening per to fynde remedye, 28

But al for nought certain it wolde not be ;

For whane I liade sette me vnder a tree, [p- ii2]

What for pe floures and pe herbes greene.

And noyse of briddes singing ay bytweene 32

In hir wyse me thought crafftely,

)5at suche a mirthe neuer noon herde I.

Hir song made so myii herte for to accende

})at vnto studye holly I gan attende ; 36

And studying enforced I my thought

To spirituel thing, and to noon oper nought :

But flesshly lust crepte in myn hert anoon

So slelely, pat neghe past was and goon 40

Al my spirituel affecczon,

Til oure lord god for my correccz'on

Of his gret might putte pane into my mynde

Eepreving my llesshe in pis kynde, 44

My soule, I seye, spake pus my tlesshe vn-to,

If yee wol here, pus he sayde, loo, —

" 0 filthy flesshe pou suget vnto synne

Whome foule afecc^on hape his herbarowe Inne, 48

\)j foule delyte and pyne Iniciuytee

Of vertuous study offten destourbepe me,

17 whiche shyninge s(t6. A. for'\om.. A.. 18rrt]ofA. parJye A.
19 At] In K- >e nuvve ins. A. 21 dullen A. 24 >at A. 26 to
sterte A. 27 fast] ageine A. 28 wele J^eerems. A. some remedye
ins. A {last four words misplaced and corrected). 31 what] fat A.
herhes] levis A. 33 so A, om. T. 34 So plesaunt mirth A. 35
ascende. 36 vnto] to A. 37 And] So A. 43 >ane into A, in T.
44 sore in ins. A. 46 nowe loo irts\ A. 47 Margin A ; 0 filthy
flesshe ])e soule / to ))e bodye speke])e. 48 herbare A. 50 offt A.

An Holy Mcdytacion.

45

Consider of what mater ))ou art ewrought,

And howe jjou art into )5is worlde ebrougllt.

Of })i conceyving ne wol I not dcvyse,

Ne howe fou art efedde, n-:; in wliat wyse.

I wol eschuwo it for j'vue honeste,

Wherfore of J)at jJou getest noniore of nie,

r.nt yxs, I knowe and seye )jat at Jjy birthe

fjer nys desport, loye, ne no niirthe.

^Vliane ))0U art borne, anoon ))0U gynnest wayle,

For ])0U fe way entrest, with-outen fayle,

Of wrecched deeth, and whyle ]'ee histe))e lyf Ip- ns]

Encreesest ay of woo, annoye, and stryll'.

And wlian |)at deepe whome ]?ou ne niayst astert

)3ee crepi|)e in and takejie pee by ))e hert

So greuously, and streynej) .pee so sore,

}3at in pis worlde pou lyve mayst no more,

)3ane forpe-with al pou Avexest wormes mete

Wheche shoiil py flesshe vn-to py boones frete.

)5ane afFter pat lord God, luge of vs alle,

Schal pee and eiiery wight before him calle

At pe day of his steorne lugement,

And deeme pee to ioye or to torment ;

Weel if pou bast doone, to Ioye eendelesse

Of heven, wher is mirthe, rest, and pees,

Dwelling with God and with his moder deer.

And with his seyntes shyning ful cleer,

And also with pe hooly companye,

Of paungelles, wheeche pat maken melodye

So dely table and in so goodely wyse

J3at per nys niannes tonge to soulfyse,

Jjoughe pey alle were sette and put in oon

And hadde pe konnynges of pe, Omer, echoon,

To telle pe mirthe and Ioye is in pat place, —

And passing al, pe sight of Crystes face.

consider how
thou art con-
52 ceived, fed,

50

GO

80

84

51 Jiat ))Oii 1715. A. wrought A. 52 for>e brought ins. A. 53
devyse} conceyve A. 60 For panne Jjou entrest tirst A. 62 of woo
ins. A. 63 of whome ins. A. ne] am. A. not stert A. 65 ta)je
A. 66 may A. 72 jjane deeme ins. A. 73 eondlesse A. 74 hye
heven ins. A. 75 ivith (2)] om. A. 77 \ie] J)at A. 78 first two
xoords rep. A. irheecli^ \>at maken'\ bright in A. 80 for to ins. A.
were alle A. put] ))at A. 82 And hade {rep.) ]>q leonyng of alle
worlde one A. 83 ioye and mirth A.

born,

G4 diest.

and beconi-
est worias"
68 "'eat.

72 Tliou may
come to
bliss,

76

46

An Holy Medi/tacion.

PIT to dread-
ful pain.

Be not
mastered by
lust.

Trees hririf;
forth sweet
tliinirs,

For it surmountejje thonighe liis digiiytee,

A\ loye and mirtlie fat may erekened bee.

IT Also bewar nowe on J?at ofer syde,

)jat if it vnto J)y soule so betyde 88

put ]>y desertes deeme it vn-to lielle,

]5er is such torment sliortly for to telle

And suche noyse, and showting of feondes blaake,

So besying hem ay fyres for to make, 92

J3at alle men ■whiche haue beoil or pis

Or yit beon might not }ie peyne Jjer is

Descryven of pexcessyf tourmentrye,

Ne neuer more shoule fey per dye, 96

Eut in ])e fuyre brennyng with-OAvten ende. Iv- ihj

Beware of ]m or ])at ])ou hennes weende,

0 man ! with-stonde fy flesslil}^ freeltee,

Lest pat py soule be lust ymaysterd be; 100

For thing pat to py flesshe semepe ful sweete

Is bitter to py soule, I pee byheete.

Sith God of his bennigne courtesye

Hape sent pe witt and resofi pee to guye, 104

Let not py flesshly lustes beestyal

Vnto pe feonde do make py soule thral.

If pou canst see pyn owen wrecchednesse,

j)on hast no mater but of lievynesse, 108

Whyle pou art in pe mutabilitee

Of pis wreeched worldes vanytee,

Wherfore take heede and pryde pee not, I prey,

In flesshly luste, but herken Avhat I sey, 112

Trees bring foorpe, pou Avost Aveel, as I gesse,

Branch, leef, and floure, Avyn, oyle, and suche swettnesse,

For py behooue by Goddes ordeynaunce,

For pou him shuldest serve to plesaunce. 116

Shewe foorpe pe fruyt, nowe, man pat comepe of pee,

HoAve proufitable and fayre is it 1 let see :

88 vnto] to A. so Jiane ins. A. 89 vnto] into A. 91 of showt-
inge with A. 92 ay fervent A. 93 whiche] ))at A. ever or A. 94
yitte . raiglit may not A. 95 ]>excessi//] ))at passinge A. 96 Ne
neuer shal Jiey pat be dampned dye A. 98 hennes] he})en A. 99 wota
per Shirley A. 100 byniaistred A. 103 benygnejgret A. 104 |)et]
for A. 109Whyle3A. 110 Of al .. wreeched A. 114 wyne and
alle kyns swetnes A, 116 to his A. 117 no man pe fruyte . comje A.

An Hohj Mcdytacion. 47

Of J»ee keme])e tlung, vryiie, voinyt ami spittiuj^,

Lysse, nyttes, flees, and suche tiltliy tiling. 120 ^'j"^/""'^

If J)at \y filthes I reherce shal,

^len shal woW wit ))Oii art nouglit wortti at al.

0 filthy man ! contrarye of al cleiinesse,

Vessel of dung', heap of rotunnesse, 124

Vessel in whoonie pe heete of leecherye

Lnrkipe and abyde))e J^er til pat ])ou dye !

O wreeched man ! fal varyant and vnstable

Is J>y condicyoun, and right deceyvable, 128

Kiglit nowe J)0u art, nowe stintest pou to be,

AVhejjer euer fou fleest deej^e ay wol suwe fee.

His cruweltee ne wol no wight spare.

For euery man he kacchefe in his snare. 132

Correcte fee, whyles ])0U hast tyme and space, [p. iis] Correct thy-

And preye to God oure lord, fat of his grace

He wol forgyve fee al fy wickednesse,

And sende fee miglit to lyven in clennesse ; 136

And foil shalt fynden him so mercyable,

•)3at faughe fy gilt be neuor so abhomynable,

He of f e digne and worfy excellence

Of his mercy wol gif fee indulgence 140

Of alle fy giltes, wher-of I fee rede

}5at suche a lorde fou serve and loue and drede.

Lat not fy flessllly foule atfeccyoun

J?y soule putte from his dyleccyoun, 144

Looke fat by raysoun fou so brydelde bee

bat oure lord God ne bee not wroth with bee. that God be

' not wrotli.

Sitli God hafe made fee vn-to fe liknesse

Of him-self by infynyte goodnesse, 148

And made fee moost worfy creature

119 co»i))Cc^«7i^] orduyre A. womytous spittinge A. 120Noyous
vermyne and suche disayse thiiige A. 121 If ))ou ])y wrechclied-
iiesse reherce here shal A. 123 J/art/w, Cave miser, filthye. 124
of nniche. 125 f'e place >e bodye in wliome lufte lechcherie A.
126 Lurke>e . bydejie . JterelnneA. 128 a/ui /-iyy/i^] foundenay A.
129 arte . noicc ctc.'\ and soone \)0\\ styiist A. 130 Whiter . fleeste .
de)?e wol aye A. 132 //ia?i] wight A. 133 Jjeehere whylest A. 137
Soshaltowefynde A. 138 wci/crso] founde A. 139))c]hisA. 140
Of his vurcy wol gif] Wol pleynly o graunte A. 142 love })ou
serve A. 144 far frome ins. A. 145 fat by raysoun fou so
brydelde bee A. 146 be wrol)e A. 147 porf] >at heha})e A. vnto]>e] •

to his A. 148 Al of . by his infenyte A. 149 fayre maste A.

48

An Holy Mcdytacion.

All shall
pass away.

Repent, con-
fess, do satis-
faction,

ancl thou
shalt come
to bliss.

)5at ill f>is worlde is while \a\, it shal dure,

And haj) J)ee gyveii gret posessyoun

And every thing, heer in fis eorpe adowiie, 152

Ordeynejje oonly for to serven )jee,

And for noon ofer cause, trust ])ou me

)3ane thenke on J)is, and be \o\\ not vnkynde

To God, Avhich ha])e pee pus preferred in kynde. 15G

Eschuwe ])ou perfore him to displease

For dreed of him, and for py soules eese.

Considre eeke pis, and haue it in inemorye,

}3at al pis wrecched worldes loye and glorye, 160

And mighte of kynges, and hir dignytee,

And ooper lordes mightes, what soo pey bee,

For alle hir castelles and hir toures hye

And hir possessyouns, yit shal pey dye. 164

Hir goode ne catel ne may hein not avaylle ;

Cruwel deepe of his pray wol not faylle.

Liift vp pyn hert vn-to py God abouve, [p. ne]

And think howe pat he dyed for py love. 168

Howe might he sliewe gretter kyndenesse

):ane dyen for py synful wrecchednesse?

Looke in pyn hert per beo contrycOn,

And by thy moup pou make confessyon 172

Of py trespas, man, whyles pou art here,

And satisfaccion pou doo eeke in feere.

)3eos three thinges shul beo py defence,

And strenkepe pee Aveel to make resistence 176

Ageyns pe feonde, pat waytepe night and day

})y soule to ouerconie, if pat he may.

If pou do pus pane shal py soule weende

To hevens blisse which pat hape noon eende. Amen. 180

150 wliylest . \>at\ om . A. 152 here . eorpc] woiide A. 153
Ordeynde A. 154 to me A. 156 ivhich] |)at . preferde pee fus A.
157 for to displese A. 159 Consider al pis A. 161 might . and
hir] with al J)eire A. 162 mightes] heghtes A. 163 For] And . and]
^v^th A. 165 ?ie (1)] f>eire A. ne [2)] om. A. 166 >is cruwel ins. A.
167 ]nj cjod] oure lord A. Margin, Alle yee synners A. 169 For
howe ins. A. shewe pee ins. A. 171 per beo] powe have A. 172
you make] make pleine A. 173 trespasses . inan alle A. 174 eeke]
om. A. 175 pyne hole ins. A. 176 v:eel] sure A. Colophon:
fiat Amen -per Shirley A.

Ldabiindiis.

49

13. LETADUNDUS.
[From MS. B.M. Harley 2255, leaves 120-1 2().]

(1)
Grounde take in vertu by patr«'arkys Olde,

From Abraham, lyneally brought doim
In the Scr/pturys as prophetys tukU',

Shewyd to them by llevelacioini 4

On kyng and prophete, nioost souereyn of llenoun,
Dauid fro lesse for Eoyal excellence,

Frute of whoos wonibe, by lust successioun,
To al the Clausys songe in this sequence 8

(•2)
!May cleyme a title by lyneal discent,

How Letabundus to hym doth appartene,
By the Huoly (Nioost moost graciously down sent

In a skye lyk gold dewh, bright and shene, 12

Tenlvniyne that gloryous hevenly queene
That bar lesu, a verray clene mayde ;

In whoos worshepe this sequence as I nieue
In hire feestys is songen, as I seyde.

(3)
Ek in the queer above celestial

Querestres gadryd of eue/'y lerarchye,
Out of nyne Ordrys chose in Especial,

With tlier moost hevenly melodyous Armouye, 20

"Wher nubes lucida, the saphir hewyd skye
Ee-syde Cherubyn, bright brennyng as j^e glede.

To for tlienip^?'esse, which is callyd Marye,
Synge Letabundus, and Seraphyn indede 24

With Principatus moost Imperial, [leaf 120, back]

And Potestates, bright as the sonne beem,

MSS. B.M. Harley 2255, leaves 120-126 = H ; Jesus Coll.
Cam. 56, 60 back-66 = J ; Trin. Coll. Cam. R. 3. 21, 197 back-201
= T. Title as in H in J and T (added by Stowe in T '^ lydgate ").
The headings arc given in J on the margin, but are omitted in T.
3 tolde] olde T (sic). 4 vnto T. 5 Ooa T. 6 for] fro J. vfiih
T. ith'-]);>oi. 11 rfoi{«] ben T. 12 /yA-] as T. dewh^om.T:.
13 To enlumyne T. lieuvn T. 16 as /] and T. 19 chosen T.
21 the] with J. 23 caflyd ys T. line 23 om. J. 26 son T.
LYDGATE, M. P. B

Fruin jiatri-
arclis and
David

comes the
anthority of
Letabundus,

1 /? to be sung
^ " at feasts.

in heaven
tuo

50

Letalundus.

by the
prophets,

To-for tliat lord, tliat ^yith liis blood bought al,
Wher as Chorus nove lerusalem
For ioye of hym, that was born in Bedleem,

Sang in excelsis, whos refreyt, to conclude,
Was Letabundus, in that hevenly Reem

W/t7i al the nou?«bre, and glorious multitude

(5)
Of hevenly spiritis, y^ith al the Ordrys nyne,

To Reioysshe luda and Israel,
By Eoyal frute born of Dauid-is lyne,

A form tiguryd by feithful Samuel ; —

First book of kynges can the processe tel, —
Chorus ■proiph.etaxum graciously syngyng,

To plese the lord Callyd Emanuel
Wiih Letabundus, to-for that myghty kyng

who
sins

(6)
Which callyd is Kyng of Cristeraasse, —

I take Record of Isaye, —
To glade Reemys, provyncys more and lasse,
In his worshepe this Court to magneifye,
Be assent of Danyel, loel and leremye ; •
bid you This mydwyntir glad tydynge*' hoom to bryng,
Alle the prophetys with 0 voys to yow crye,
Letabundus devoutly that ye synge.

also.

28

32

36

40

44

48

It figures
Gabriel,

Regem
regum

Regem regu??i intacte profu[n]dit chorws res miranda.

This goostly Chorus figured in the Byble, [ieafi2i]

As prophetys Remembre in ther writynges,
— Beheest of God may nat be inpossible, —

How Gabriel brought first Tydynges 52

That thilke lord, callyd kyng of kynges.
Born of a maide, moost souereyn of degre,

With Sceptre and Crowne, former of alle thynges,
Cleymyng of right to sitte in Dauid-is se, — 56

30 refret T. 34 roioyse J T. 40 a forne J. 42 Isaye]

olde J. old Isaye T. 47 ooii J. oo T. yoir] om. J. 52 furst
tythyngcs T. 53 ylke T. ilke J. 54 raayden J. 55 corone T.

Lctahoidus.

51

His fadir Dauid, of p?-ophetys jirincipal,

Wrot longe be-forii by gooslly knowlechyng, —
That Crist lesws, lord lastyng eternal,

Shal sitte, Crownyd as souereyn lord and kyng

Isayas, his power Reiuenibryng,
Seyde and wroot, with forvence set a-fyre,

Grace of our lord shal fortune his comyng ;
Witli greet encrees multeplye his empyre.

Sedeliit rex
doTOidus in
eternuw.

Multiplicn-
bititr e.ius
iiiiperiuin

D,ivid

(y)

Among alle Cristene prynces and monarkes,

Foure and twenty p?'op[h]etys accordyng,
First rekne in Ordre twelve patryarkes,

With glad reffreytys there con.sceytes out shewyng. 6S

Was nevir seyn so ni^rveyllous a thyng
As for to seen in Abraham-is lyne,

A yong Melchisedeck, bysshop, preest and kyng,
In Bedleem born of a pure virgyne. 72

(10)
Regem RegU//i this sequence doth hynr calle, [leaf 121, back]

Set a-syde, make no comparysoure,
Isaak, lacob, Eekne vp kynredys alle,

Whoo can Eemembre his generacioun 1

Mathew-is gospel makith menciou??,
And concludeth in his Genalogye,

Off Letabundus al the pe/-fecciou?j
Parforniyd is in loseph and Marie. 80

geneiticiO-
nem quis
enarrabtt.

tlie jiro-
lihft's glad-
ness at
Christ's
coinins'.

Tlie

Genealogy
of Christ.

(11)

Doth your deveer in al your best entent,
Off verray right, lyk as ye ar bounde.

Chorus p/c'phetaru?/i beeyng her present,

Goostly considered mysteryes that be founde ;
Which that doth moost vertuously habounde.

84

Sing, then,
chorus of
prophets, in
these " mys-
teries."

58 a fore J T. knowlegyng. 60 syt T J. 63 soil. LI. 65-
128 lacking in T (prob. 1 folio of oriq. gone). 72 Bedlem J.
77 Matheus J. 78 concludyng J. Genologie J. 80 is above
the line J. marg. opp. this itan~a Gen^racioeuis J. 81 Both all
deuour J {sic). 82 er J. 84 considritli J.

52

Letahundus.

The Angel of
counsel,

to Tobit.

The Angpl
bearing the
key of
David.

The star of
the sea,

Solomon.

Of moral^'te conceyved the menyng,

Oil Letabundus your consceyt for to grounde,
Regem Regu?/i ffresshly that ye synge. 88

(12)
Angel?<s concilij natMS est de v«*gine sol de stella.

This Au^gel, callyd the Auwgeil of coiwisayl,

Born of a maide be spirit of prophecye,
Clenly concevyed, and for our greet avayl

By tlie Hooly Goost to governe vs and guye ; 92

Tliis same Au??gel, the byble may nat lye,
To Tobye sent, whan he was falle in age

To lede his sone, callyd also Tobye,
Oonly by grace to conduyte his passage. 96

(13)
Angelus qui portat claues abissi.

Off Abyssi tliis Au?;gel bar the keyes, [leaf 122]

Callid Clauis Dauid to shettyn and vnshette,

Whom hevene and helle and al the world obeyes.

This same Au>/gel cam douw to paye our dette; 100
In a pure mayde his Eoyal throne he sette,

Mawgre Sathan and al his mortal werre,
Out of whoos dongou7i prysonnerys he fette,

Lyk a bright Sonne that sprang out of a sterre, 104

(li)
Out of whicli sterre our helthe was first ^onue,

Off the Hooly Goost the Chosen haZ/itacle ;
Sterre of tlie se that brought forth a Sonne,

Was nevir in ei tlie noon so greet myracle ;

Of Salamon aureat tabernacle,
Flees of Gedeon, with sylvir dewh moost shene, ^'e"«« sede-

•^ ' cms.

To all virgines merour and spectacle
Oft" hire merites, of hevene crownyd queene. 112

Stella niaris

108

90 bespvred T. 98 shet J T. 101 inayde Ins maydys T.

102 a/o^/^.T. 105 lielthTJ. begon T. 106 chose J. chyef T.
107 wliych T. 108 noon]oni.T. gret a iws. T. Ill -virgyiis
J T. \12 Off hire] Sovhjv 3. ffor theyr.

lAinhiindus.

53

(15)

Orietiir Stel-
la ex iacob

IIG

120

[leaf 122, back] John's wit-
ness.

124

Jfalachis
calls Christ
Sun of
Kifiliteous-

llfcSS.

128

OH Isaak seed, of Iacob our Jay sterre,

(jeyn worldly trouble our governeresse,
On loud and se, botlie in pees and werre,

Our Sauffcouduit to kepe vs fro distresse.

Now to this Sonne and sterre of nioost brightnesse
Letl't vj) your voys in this solempnite,

And Ifresshly syngeth tliis Iveffreyt Wit/i gladness,
Sol de Stella natus de virgine.

(16)

Sol occasu??i nesciens ^ ,

[semper clara.
Stella semp[erj EutilansJ

Off this bright sonne lohn in his Apocalyps

Seyth nevir Phebus was so cleer shynyng,
Weestest uat nor suffryth noon eclyps,

Callyd Esperus at Eve the nyght gladyng,

Al cloudy skyes dirk niystes avoydyng,
Malachias can bern herof witnesse,

Cause his bryghtnesse is alwey abydyng
He Callyth hym sonne of Eyghtwysnesse,

His rightwysnesse abydyng and Eterne, lusticia tua

"With his moost fervent hevenly bryght beemys, "'Rticia in

Ther is no torche laiu^pe nor lanterne

May be coniparyd to hi? Celestial streeinys, 1,32

For thorugh the world he lau^chith out his beemys,

Specially his bryghtnesse he doth sprede
This hih feeste to alle Crystene Reemys

By a prerogatyff that love the lord and drede. 13G

(18)

Afftir Aurora in the morowe gray
Tytan ascendyng out of the Oryent,

The Amerous larke massageer of day

Hath tydynges brouht froom Est tyl Occident, 140

That alle (juerestrys of Cristes hool CovcnL

114 Apyen T. goucniesse T. gouernres<e J. 116 from T.

121 hright om. T. 123 Wasteth T. Wiistitli J. nor ne T.

124 Hesperus T, at a J. 127 Because T. U. 129-256 om. in T.
130 hryghtlecmys^YA-ightnts i. 133 launcitli on lemys .1. 136
that']]>&i. 139 messynger J. 141 queristers J. AooZ] owne J.

star of
Jacob

54 Ldahundus.

Off Letabundus, lyk as ye haue gonne

Sol occasum nesciens in al your best entent
This vers tencouritre in worshepe of this Sonne. 144

(19)
Sicut sidus Radu?» profert
ViVgo filium pari Forma.
So as a sterre shedith out his beemys, [leaf i23]

Hool and nat lassyd, conservith euere his light,
Mary, the So Maria, queen of alle Eeeniys,

beauteous as Modlr to Isisu, and mayde of verray ryght, 148

AVhoos virginite, Eue^-e y-lych bryght,
Eclypseth nat, so cleer his beemys sprede,

In scripture was nevir so glad a sight
As a pure modir to fioure in maydenhede. 152

(20)

Rekne in Ordre alle sesouws of the yeer,
Wynter frostys, snowes whyte and shene,

March with his buddys at coniyng in of veer,

Fressh aprylle, with prymerolles grene, 156

Al stant on chau?;ge ; but this hevenly queene

With-oute appallyng conservith hire clernesse ;
Callyd Stella cell, this pryncesse that I meene,

Off hevene and erthe lady and Emperesse. 160

(21)
Neq?ie sidus radio.

Anothir vers accordyng well her-to,
Bothe tweyne to-gidre to Conbyne,

That neqw^ sidus ffulgens suo Radio,

Lefft nat his light, so this pure virgine 164

Doth Letabundus with gladnesse enlvmyne.

On Crystes birthe, as writeth Isaye,
Shine on i;a Q blisscd queen ! thy light lat on vs shyne,

ble.s.sed ' j ^ ^ ^ i /. o

queen ! Qff worldly trouble voyde eu^y troubly skye. 168

142 goone J. 143 in al vonr best entent J. 144 vorsliip J.

148 wena J f<ic. 149 mcr elielie J. 153 all ]>t J. 154 wlnjte]

Bright J. 155 were J. 150 prynieroU J. 157 o«] m J.

161 ^crtoo J. 162 combyne J. 168 troubly] cloudy J.

Lctahnndns.

55

(22)
A sterre is nat voyded of cleernesse [leaf 123, back]

Though hys stremys ferre abrood do sprede,
Nor Maria of virginal clennesse

Though she bar lesw, floury ng in maydenhede,

Abacuk of this mature took hede,
Soyde opynly in lawde of his menioryo,

Hevene and erthe Enluniyned wern in dede,
And al the hevenly glory ous consistorye

(23)
Sang in his laude, by Recoord of scripture,

Splendor eius lyk lyght this world shal glade.
Bedleem heerdys with sheep in ther pasture

Toward mydnyght abraydyng in the shade,

Among hem syif greet loye and niyrthe made,
In Reioysshyng of this sterrys streem,

jNIore bright of shynyng, nevir lylc to ffade.
Brought out of Calde tliree kynges to Bedleem.

(24)
Gloria in excelsis was nat songe in veyn,

.Song of Au//gellys was so delicious,
The wyntrys nyglit was nat spout in veyn

Whoos refrcyt Avas pax in hominibus ;

And Letabundus, this sequence gloryous,
To this feeste accordyng wel also,

In wlioos worshepe, ye querestrys vertuous,
Syng with hool herte neque sidus Radio !

(25)

Cedrus alta libani.

Royal Cedrys, growyng on hih mounteyns, [leaf 124]

And Cipressys vpon the mou?«t Syon,
Knet with Isope In gardynes that be pleyns, —
Out of Danyel tak? out the Angle stoon,
Two testamentys for to loyne in Oon,
Of Cedre and Isope tak the morallyte.

176

SplendDF
eius ut lux
erit

180

Tlio sliep-
hfticlsiiriiiscd
the star.

184

188

192

Ibid

testamenta
lapis
An"ula

The cedar
and the
liyssoj)
moralized.

169 A^om. i. no J. 170 Thought J. .s;)rcrfr] shyne J.

175 were J. 177 londe J. 11$, hjght]om. i. 183 light J.
189 this]'^c3. 191 queresters J. 195 pleyne J. 196 angill J.

56 Letcibundus.

Lyk as prophetys Avrot of yoore agoon,
Tlie godheed loyned with oure Immanyte. 200

(26)
The hill Cedre his brau«chis lyst enclyne

To Recouriforte our Infirmyte,
Whan the Hooly Goost sent to a pure virgine,

Callyd Clennest Ysope tliat sprang out of lesse, 204

That al oold figurys of Antiquyte
In Letabundus acomplysshed been in dede,

Engrossyd vp in the natiuite
Oif Crist lesu, this sequence whan ye Eede. 208

(27)

Somyr flours, that did in wyntir dare,

Lowe in the Roote sliewyng no fresshnesse,

Brau?;clie, bough and tree & niedewes Rude & bare,

Whan Marche approcheth, put out ther grennesse. 212
And semblably prophetys ber witnesse,

Al that they wrot was curteyned in scn'pture,

Christ came, ^n r\ • i. t i i n

like spring. *-'i Onstes comyng was but a lyknesse,

The light was cloos, hyd vndir ffigure. 216

(28)
Oold shadwes Aver torneyd to bryghtnesse, [leaf 124, back]

Dyrkyd fygurys Eecuryd haue ther lyght,
Moyses lawe, veyled Avith dirknesse,

Haue drawe ther curtyn, shewyd a sonne bright. 220

Foure Gospeleerys clareffyed our sight
With Letabundus, and the foure doctours

Haue maad cleer day, that afforn was nyght,
In stede of wyntir shewyd somyr flours. 224

(29)
Cedre and Isope be loyned in the vale,

Cristes birthe hath voyded Oold ffigurys.
The husk is falle, brokyn is the shale,

The uoote kernel, Closyd in scripturys, 228

201 lyst] om. J. 204 Callyd] om. J. 205 fygure J.

206 be J. 211 medwisJ. ' 214 <^e?/] jja J. conceyuedJ.

215 bode J. 216 close J. 218 >are J. 219 vailed J.
225 vaile J. 227 shalle J. 228 kernels J.

Letahundus.

57

In Keioyssliyng of alle Creatiirys,
Al openly shewith his swetnesse.

Was nevir seyn be wrytyng nor picturys
Suych a Eestoratyff to save vs fro syknesse.

232

(30)

In Levitico, avIioo so lyst take hoed,

Cedie and Isope, of Syon the Cip/esse,
To-gidre bounde with a litel threed

Of colour Eeed, -which colour doth expresse 236

Cristes hooly blood, lycour of moost clennesse
To wasshe away al Oold infecciou??

Of Corrupt leprys, contagious of syknesse
Watir of baptem with Crystes passiou?^ 240

leuitici

.c".iijo.

Christ's
Mood the
red thread
in Leviticus,
cap. iii.

(31)

Nyght is passyd, dirknesse is forth went, [leaf 125]

Fressh Aurora and a glad morwenyng ;
The Sonne of lyti' to Bedleem is dou?i sent

Thorugh lerusaleem and al this Avorld shynyng. 244

Cedrus, Cipresse and ysope conbynynge
Witli Letabundus in Ysrael and Syon,

In Keioysshyng of Crystes glad coniynge ;
Two testamentys that day wer maad bothe Oon. 248

(32)
Verbu??r e/us Altissinii.

The beeyng Avoord of hym that is hyhest,
Sone of the Fadir, as seyn lohn vndirstood

Whan he seide verbu»i caro fact^^m est ;
Circu//?cised first he shadde his blood,
Next at the Pyleer bou?«den whan he stood,

Vpon the Cros afftir nayled soore,

Last, for our sake starff vpon the Eood

To Paradys maukynde to Restore.

Christ was
tlie Word of
God.

252

256

233 so]om. J. 239 lepres J. of pe J. 240 waters J.

241 'iiyght^ Lvglit J. iccnt'] blent J. 242 mornj'Dg J. 248

maide lot J. 252 Circumcisus J. shadde'] hade J. 253

bounde J. 255 straatT J. sic.

58 Letahundus.

(33)

Ysaias Cecinit sinasoya.

oniim1n"uie Ysaias song of tins matere,
synagogue. 'pj^e Synagogc put in Eemembraunce,

Ay contraiye froward of look and chere,

Wilfully blynded with ygnorau?zce. 260

Prophetys wrote they gaff noon attendau?ice,
To tlier wiytyng they wer so Indurat,

Crystes doctryne was to them displesaunce,
In ther malys they wer so obstynat. 264

(34)

Si non suis vatibei*'
CT^dat vel gentilibiis.

The Sibyl's To ther proplietys, for they gaff no Credence, [leaf 125, back]

verses tell of ,t

Christ. De Vetula, lat hem Eede Ovyde

Cibilys vers, ful notable in sentence, Credat vei

The Capitallvs let hem clerly devyde, cibiiini.s

In Ordre sett as Austyn doth provide, 269

Wher they shal fynde a processe vertuous,
Mawgre lewes and al ther froward pryde,

This name wryte in Ordre Cryst lesus. 272

(35)
Infelix p?"(9pera Crede vel Vetera.
Why wilt [A! f I'owarde peple ; vnhappy and vnstable,

thfiu not -r . , • , • • •

believe. lnuete>'at in ]>in opinion

Come nere, yeue feith, take counsail, be tretable, —

Why wilt jju be contrary to Re.son t] 276

To be dampnyd to thy confusiou?^
. Lyk a wrecche, alias ! why wyltow so 1
Cryst was now born for thy savacyouw,
And thow of malyce takest noon heed therto. 280

260 And wilfully ins. J. 263 ]iam J. 266 The vetula T.

De vetulo J. 267 notably T. 268 capitall T. cliapitall J.

269 07-drc] other T. LI. 273-276 lacking m If, s%vpplied from J.
T's only variant is 276 coutrarious. 278 alias om. T. 280 no

T. heito T. l)ar too J.

Lctahundus.

59

(36)
Natu/n considera. Que??i Docet littera. Ipswm genuit

pucrpera.

Considre his coniyng and his natiuitie

As thow art taught by al Ookl pr^'phecie,
And as the lettre pleyuly tecliith the

Bothe of scripture, Cybile, and Poetrye ;

Al tliyng conckidyng vpon Isaye,
And fultilled, tyme of Octavyan,

Whan a pure maide, which is calliti Marye
In Bedleem bar our lord bothe God and man.

PioiiliPcy
tuld of liiiii,

284

288

ami was
fulUUed.

(37)

Thus in worshepe of this hevenly queen [leaf 1201

That bar lesu is songyn this sequence,
Porely brought forth, his loggyng set a [twene]

Asse, Oxe, and Eakke, no costful greet dyspence ; 292

Kynges cam douri, did hym Eeu^^rence,
Bedleem, be glad, grace is to the falle,

Prynce uf luda of moost magnificence
Eorn in thy bou/alys besyde an Oxes stalle. 296

(38)
O Royal Bedleem ! Cite of our Reff uge !

In al our worldly desolaciourj
Our havene of lyff, Eyoaylle in this deluge

Geyn al tempest of trybulaciou?«, 300

Cite of Citees, moost souereyn of Renou??,
Berthe of our lord grauntyd vnto the ;

And to lerus eem thy gloryous passioun ;
Al this was doon to make man go free. 304

(39)

K'ow al ye peple that be present heer,

Berith Letabundus in your Remembrau?ice

At the begynnyng of this newe yeer,

Tokne of loye, figure of al plesaunce, 308

281 Considera J. tie. 282 «/] o7n. T. 284««(iofJ.

Octouian J. 287 callidisJT. 291 twene supj)li(ui from J T.
293 and dyd ins. T. 296 ox T. 11. xe J. 303 thij] hva T.

304 do T. 305 ye] the T. ys T. 306 Haue T. 307 ad

AllT. newT.

Let all

remember

Letabundus.

letabundus

quasi

liabundans

leticia
lux solis.

60

Exposition of the Pater Noste7\

Of gladnesse plentevous liabundau??ce,
Lyght of that sonne tliat Roos vp in dece»ibre,

Which in lenyveer shal voyde al old grevaunce,
This newe yeer doth theron Eemembre.

Explicit qwojj Lidgate.

312

Wy wit is

feeble,

my torch is
burnt out,
only good
hope can
save me,

14. AN EXPOSITION OF THE PATER NOSTER.

[MS. Laud 683, leaves 81-87.]

Here begynneth the Pater noster.

(1)

Atwyxe died and treniblyng reuerence [leaf 8i]

Astoned I am, for fer der nat be bold
To shewe my face, or comyn in presence

Feynt of ffantasyes, dulled many fold, 4

My wit but feble, my memorye dulled for old,
To medele of thyng solemply be-gonne ;

]\Iak no comparisoun attwixen led and gold,
Tween a smal sterre and a mydday sonne. 8

(2) '

I may be wyllyng and fervent in my desirys.
Though for vnkonnyng I dar nat precede,

In aysshis olde a lytel ffer there ys [leaf si, back]

Wich yeveth no light nor clernesse at a neede ; 12

My torche is queynt, his brihtnesse doth nat procede,

Wherfore I sholde pleynly me Excuse,
Neer that good hope doth my brydel leede

Toward Pernaso, to fynde there som muse, IG

(3)

I dar nat calle, nouther of old nor newe,
To Euterpe for dytees of plesaunce,

309 gladnes and ins. T. 311 lanuar T. old] the T.

312 new T. Colophon om. J. Explicit letabundus T {added ly
Stoive lydgate).

MSS. Bodley Laud 683, leaves 81-87 = L ; B.M. Harley 2255,
leaves 32 back to 39 back = H ; Jes. Coll. Cam. 56, leaves 47 back
to 53 = J. Title, Pater noster, in red H. 6 solennely H J.

7 atwix H J. 11 aisshes H J. 16 jperna so] sic J. 18

Ewcerp] sic J.

Exposition of the Pater Noder,

61

That be depict with roial purpil hewe,

Rad and recordyd, vertuous of substauncc,
Such as calle ageyn to remenibraunce

Excyte hcrtys witli devout mateerys,
In Cryst \es\\ to ffynde at suffysaunce

As they be tauht by the seveue praieris.

In pater noster, breeffly comprehendyd,

While he was here, of trouthe it is thus fall,

Tauht his discipulis, wich may nat ben amendyd,
For it transcendith other prayerys all,
Most auctorised, whan we for socour Call,

Most celestyall and moost of dygnyte,

Crowned among p?'aieris in j^e hevenly stall

Yif it be said in parfight Charyte.

(5)

Foure be remembrid, in Especyall,

Wich appertene on to this mateer,
And been in dede verray Celestyall,

"Wich passe \n Shynyng f:e hevenly sterris cleer ;
. And been foure thyngis longyng to prayeer,
Lyk as myn auctour maketh mencyoun, [leaf S2]

But I am dul and clypsed of my cheer
To telle what vertu restith in Oysoun.

(6)
I speke of foure, first in myn avys,

Xat of the foure hevenly Gospelerys ;
Nor of foure floodys that come fro paradys

That norisshe al Egypt wzt/< ther fressh Reverys ;

Xor how Ezechiel with his ffoure speerys
Callid Quatuor rote wich in al vertu schyne ;

But of a mater longjTig to prayeerys
Tauht by \es\\, our rudenesse tenlumyne.

(7)
I nat remembre of the foure Elementys,
Xor of the foure sesouns of the yeer,

20

to expound
till- Lord's
Pr;iyi!r, in
its seven
24 petitions.

28

32

36

Four tilings
belong to
lirayer ;

40

44

not the four
Evangelists,
thp four
floods,
the four
spheres of
Ezekiel,

48

27 be J. 33 espiciall J.

44 ther\ ])e J. 47 a, 0 H.

62

Exposition of the Pater Noster.

four com-
plexions,

winds

cardinal
virtues.

foTir wlieels
of Elijali's
p.haiiot :
I jiass all
this.

Of foure complexiouiis dyuerse of ententys,

Of Sonne or mone, why tliey be dirk or clee; 52

Nor of foure Avyndys wicli dyuersly appeer,

But under support and correccyoun

I me submytte to alle that scball now lieer

Tliis symple processe of my translacyoun. 56

(8)
I dar nat speke of foure Cardynall,

Fortitudo nor of attemperaunoe,
Of rigbtwysnesse oon the pryncipall,

Wich al policie set in good gouernaunce, 60

For wich I caste my rudenesse to avaunce
So that prudencia lyst to be present,

And grace also, thorough Goddys purviaunce,
List to prouyde taccomplissbe myn Entent. 64

(9)

Malapertnesse and presumpcyoun, [leaf 82, back]

With vnfeyned trewe humylyte
In despit of fials ambycyoun

I take counsayl of feith, hope, and cliaryte, 68

Callyd virtutes Theologice
To dyrecte my desolacyoun,

And on this processe to h'aue mercy and pite,
With favour benygne to do correcyoun. 72

(10)
Nat apperteneth on to this partye

The foure wheelys, brennyng brilit as gleede,
That ladde the chaar to paradys of Helye,

Nor of Perseus the iiry wynged steede, 76

Whos goldene trompe thoruh-out Perce and Mede,
To blowe ther trivmplies sent out his bloody souns ; —

I passe al this, grace slial my penne leede
To speke of prayer and sevene peticiou?is, 80

The wich sevene, groundid in al vertu,
I dar weel seyn, passen alle prayerys,

63 goddys] goodc5 J.
73 on to] to J.

69 theologie J. 72 beiiige J.

76 weengid H. wengede J.

Exposition of the Pater Nostei:

G3

]\raa(l ami compiled of our lord lesu,

Most covenable to alle our goostly desirys,
Nat withstoudyng alle old astronomerys

Seyn and oonfernie in ther phylosopliie
Soun and mevyng of tlie nyne Speerys

Passe and surmounte tjil wordly armonye.

(12)

I haue no mouthe, pleynly to devyse,
First to reme»ibre the grete dygnyte,

Ferfull to take on me so hili Empryse,
Moost celestial, most angelyk of degre,
For to the hih myghty Trynyte

It is direct, lord of moost puyssaunce.
Which callid is oon, two, and thre,

Al oon in vertu, and al oon in substaunce.

84

86

90

[leaf 83]

94

(13)

This woord Pater shewith in substaunce
His myght ys moost grettest of excellence,

Of hevene and erthe hath al the ordenaurace,

Callyd welle of grace, myrour of sapience, 100

Wich to his children, of ffadirly providence,

Hath yeue a fraunchise aboue fraunchises alle.
That ^ve may boldly witJi devout reuerence

Ageyn al myschef to hym for helpe calle. 104

Fater shows
God's might,

First this -woord Pater set us in assuraunce.
And this woord Noster geveth us homlynesse.

Him to requere, ■with devout obeysaunce,

Reraedye geyn al worldly dystresse, 108

So that charite, with hir suster meeknesse,

Feith, trust, and hope be with hem present,
Than, whan we prei and seyn of feithfulnesse

Pater noster, we shal haue our Entent. 112

gives assur-
ance and
" homeli-
ness."

83 or"\ in J. 84 couable J. 85 iiat] hoot J. 87 Son J.

88 worldly H J. Jfter ?. 88 H repeats II. 17-34. 93 for to]

Tofore H. 101 childre H J. 102 youe H J. a bovif

fraunches s/c J. 109 sister J. Ill uyJ vrhe. sici.

64

Exposition of the Pater Noster.

In it stands
all our hope,

as His

children and
heirs.

The seven
jietitrons
equal the
seven gifts
of the Holy
Ghost.

(15)
In this woord Pater stant al our confydence,

Our hool beleue whan we seyn Qui es,
Our stedefast feith and fully our credence,

In heuene abidyng as souereyn lord of pes, 116

Where thre lerarchies day nor nyght nat ses
To crie in celis, with heuonly mellodye, [leaf 83, back]

Cherubyn nor Seraphyn nat slouh nor rekles
Syngen Osanna with fervent armonye. 120

(16)
Whos glorious name for to niagneffye

Mouth and tonge be lame of ther langage,
But the Hooly Goost by grace lyst us guye,

Us to enspire in our mortal passage, 124

As goostly children, born of hih parage,
]N'euer to thyn hihnesse by no mortal offence

In this dredful perlous pylgrymage
Tyl cleer confessiou?i our gyltes recompense. 128

(1')
We wer renewyd ful nyh to thyn allye

By the Hooly Goostys gracious influence,
Fu'st be baptem, to gynne at tliat partye,

l!^ext confermed be tliy magnyfycence, 132

To been accepted to thy benyvolence
As chose children to thyn herytage.

That we may seyn, with devout reuerence,
Lord haue mercy on al our old outrage. 136

(18)
Thes sevene peticiouns been of vertu moost.

Only to God of hooll herte applyed
To the sevene vertues of the Hooly Goost ;

First whan we seyn thy name be sanctyfyed. 140

I'I'ame of alle names halwyd and glory fyed,
As the gospel pleynly doth comaunde, —

But her my syntplesse viiili Argus nat cleer eied,
Meue this questioun, aske this demaunde, 144

125 ]m>'fi-9e] lyii''ig6 H.
]29 reiiowede J. nyght sic J.
133 beni/vole}ice] d.e]ynera.nnce J.
axiriEC H.

127 perilous H. poilous J.

aley J. 131 partye] parey J.

134 chosel close, S . 144 axe J.

Exposition of the Pater Nosier.

65

(19)
How niylitc ill us be kyiulelyu suych ilesire, [io«f8ti

lioldly to soyii coiiceyueel oiir lel)ylnesse,
Tliough cliarite in us brente as flawme of fyre,

Lyk as in Seraphyn breniietli al parfitiiesse'? 118

I answore thus, a ground take of lueuknesso,
Vertu of vertues, doctours sey the same,

Vnder support of his paternell goodnesse,
To seyu or thynke, Halvvyd be thy name, ir)2

(-^0)
With-oute addiciouM to sette our herte at reste

That tlierwitlial we haue this sentence,
For our party, to conclude for our beste

In our Inward goostly Intellygence, 15(3

First that his name, name of most excellence,
"With-Inne liym-silf, euery hour and space,

Be sanotylied, so by his provydence
It may in us be sanctyfied be his grace.

(21)
Thy kingdam, lord, enlumyned with tliy face,

AVhere is ful gladnesse of al goostly lyght
Mot come to us, tyme set and space,

Whan thow assignest be thyn eternal myht, 16-i

Of thy presence that we may haue a sight ;
O gracious lord, our tyme so provyde

Cieymed with meknesse. of mercy more than riht,
Mene of thy passioun that we may there abyde. 168

(22)

Thy kingdam, lord, first in tliis present lyf
Come to us, to rewie us and gouerne

Geyn the assautys and the treble stryf

Of our enmyes, lord, hold so the lanterne [leaf 84, back]
By thy grace, which that is Eterno, 173

Regne so in us, of resouw hold so our brydell,

146 owr] out H. 147 brente in vs H J. brent J. liS in]
om. J. 150 seyn H. say J. 157 that] that in H. in

scratched, name (2) o?m. J. 159 Aj's] high J. 161 kvndoine J.
162 w^fire] Thaire J. 172 thre enmyes ms. H J. iifj. hold]

shuld H. the] )>i J.

LYDGATE, M. P p

How iiiav we
say tlii.s?

lf;0 His t'l-ace

s.inctities us.

aduenJHt

regnum

tuiim.

Thj kinsdom
come, first
liere,

66 Exposition of the Pater Nostcr.

Tween good and evell we may so dyscerne
Geyji thy plesaiuice, to do no thyng in Idell. 176

Tlien in
lieaven.

(23)

Xord, by thy mercy regne in us so lieere,

Of alle vices we may haue victorye,
To cleyine a title aboue the stems cleere,

Thy passioun clieef set first in memorye 180

AVith the to regne in thyu eternall glorie,
Axed by bille, wreten with thy precious blood,

For folk alyve, and folk in purgatorye,
Doosed and asseled at Calvary on the rood. 184-

(24)
Tby will be So as thy will fulfelled is in hevene,

(lone. •' '

liiglit so in erthe fulfellyd mot it be,
Lyk as tlie court aboue the sterrys sevens

Of ordrys nyne and lerarchies thre 188

Syngen sanctus thries to-for the Tryuyte,
So make us lord, yvith devout observaunce

Day and nyht knelyng on our kne,
Thy deth, thy passioun, to haue in reme?»brau?ice. 192

(25)
First thy preceptys and ten comau.vdemeutis

We may fiilt'ylle, attwixen lioope and dreede,
And for-sake Avith al our hooll eutentys

Al that sholde dysplese the in deede. 196

Give ns T,.y gith to a peler thow lyst for us to bleede

Therwith to doon al that thow lyst comau?«de, uis tua.

Suffre thy mercy so vp-on us spreede, 199

Part to receyue, that thow gaf at tliy maw?tde [leaf 85]

(26)
To tliy dyscyplys for a memoryall,

For a perpetuall co??imemoracyoun,
Of thy flessli and thy blood, toke in especiall,

Of a pure maydyn thyn Incarnacioun, 204

180 thy] By J . 182 write H J. 183 purgatorye srm/!cM H.
18^ it]\)eiJ. 189 sr/ngen] Singing J. toforii H. 194 attwex
H. atwene J. 198 commaund J. 200 maund J.

Exposition of the Pater Nosier.

67

JllU.plll

iiiiKtrum
cotidiHiiurii
(ia iiubis
lio<iie.

Tliy meek sutTraunce for our l!e(lem})ciou«,
"Witli niyude also tliow lyst for us be dod,

That we may cleyiue for our savaciouu
Receyve tliy boody among in forme of bred :

(27)
Tliat Ave dar scyn, witli al humylyte,

Viider the wyiiges of thy proteccyoun,
Panem nostru»i da nobis hodie,

Knoden afforn Pihit, baken in tliy passioun,

Our dayly bred, our Kestaiiracioun,
Our foode, our manna, geyn fendis violence,

Strong Avitli Helias, Bible maketh mencyoun,
To mount Oreb, to haue there residence. 210

(28)
Tliis bred of lyf yevetli us force and myht

Geyn goostly enmyes, "whan they wolde assayll,
Helthe of the soAvle, our boody strong in tight,

With spiritis inferuall to holden a batayll, 220

Sathan abitt nat, for all his apparayll,
Wher this bred is sacred with Crystis mouth,

Clenly receyved, the ffend may nat avayll,
So gret vertu this bred hath est and south. 224

(29)
This bred of angelis, bred celestyall,

Bred that excelleth resoun and nature, [leaf Sf, back)
Callid bred of lyf, and repast eternall,

Yeiieth lyf ay-lastyng and euer shal endure; 228

Most comended by prophetis in Scripture,
To soAvle and boody bred of moost comfort,

Folk in siknesse, this bred doth hem recure,
To pore pilgrymes restoratyf and support. 232

(30)
In this peticioun, 0 lord, do us socoure,

First consydryng our ffragylyte,
For-yeve our dettys as we for-yeve oure,

Above al thyng to love and drede the, 236

Oiir daily
bread knead-
212 fctl before

Pilate, baked
in Thy
]>assioii.

Tills is the
Brfiiid of
Life.

Korgive
our debts.

210 weenpvs H. 216 thare J. ojn. H.

abit H. 224 Irai] lorde J. 228 shall euir J.

221 abbitt J.
232 jiurc J.

F 2

68

Krposiiion of ike Pater Noster.

I am soiled
with the
seven sin^'.

Next our neiliobouv in parfit cliarite,
First deme niy-silf werst of any man,

Void of presumpcioim, bowyng dou?i my kne,
And to remembre vp-on the publican,

(31)
Durst nat lefft vp his eie vp to the hevene,

To looke up ferful on- to the sonne streem ;
And I am soyled with the synnes sevene.

Can In myn eien nat seen a large beeni.

Though it spradde al abrood this Eewm,
Can seen weell motys in other menhis sight,

A smal sparck, that casteth out no beem,
Blent in my fauhtys thouh torchis wer cler light.

(32)
This to seyne, I can be weell vengable,

Whan my neihbour doth a smal trespace,
I'liouh I be gylty and horrybly coupable

Can fynde weies lyghtly for to passe,

Ageyn my brother grete gyltes compasse,
My-silf excuse, and put on him the wrak,

Lyk fawssemblauwt shewe out a fair face
As in my-silf ther founde were no lak.

240

Who has no
mercy, shall
have none.

244

248

Et (limitte
nohis debita
nostrn.

252

[leaf SO]

256

260

(33)
And to conclude, who wil no mercy haue.

At his most neede lie shall go mercylees ;
And wlio is besy his neihbour to deprave,

By fals report escapeth nat harmlees,

Mordre at the bak and language reklees,
Ipocrysie, fraude, compassed guyle,

Symylaciouu, and fliatery put in prees,
This soort wil out, thouh they dare a while.

(34)
But yf thou stonde in parfit charite

To love tliy frend and also thyn enmye,

210 pellyeanL. publican H. pellican J. 241 eyneJ. eyen H.
242 hike J. to (?) om. J H. 244 eyene J. nat om. J. 246

mottesJ. motisH. other l^er J. meuiiys J H. 247 beme J.

leem H. 248 of J. 264 of J.

264

R}j)Osition of ilic I'atcr Nvdcr.

09

Willi-niite feynyng or duplycyte
'rimt tlier be no fraiule Couertlye,
To shewe oon outward anotlier Tnwanllyo,

In suycli wyse thy prayer is iiat gimd,
I liar afforine, and Avryte trewlye,

God luvyd neuer two facys in oon hood.

(35)
0 Lord Ihe?u, of niercyfuU pyte

Ynder tlie baner of thy passioun,
Ageyn our dedly dredful foys thre

Suffre-us to falle in no Teniptacioun,

Tlie flessh, tlie fend, by fals collusioun,
W/t// olde serpent wiih many tliousand treync,

With-oute blood shad for our Eedempcioun,
"We may in charite nat weell tliis praier seyne.

(36)
Tt is rcmeml>red of Mathew the gospel!, lUaf so, iiacki

Of a servaunt, as maad ys mencyoun,
Cause his lord was ageyn hym ffell,

He was fetryd and signed to prysoun ;

In signs who wyll do no remyssioun
At sucli a streit, his servaunt for to save,

Diraitte nobis put from this Orysoun,
Who doth no mercy, he shall no mercy haue.

(37)
Of thy benygne mercyfull pyte,

Lord, in this perlous dredful pilgrymage,
Sane us from daunger and al aduersyte,

And us delyuer from al foreyn damage,

From perellys passed yvith our p?-esent passage,
Future swolwys of fortunys ffloodys,

Dredful! Caribdys, Syrenes mortal rage.
And transmutacyoun of al worldly goodys.

(3S)
Pater noster, thys prayeer vertuous,
Yif it be sayd with dewe Eciierence,

268

272

Et ne nos
iudiicns in
tein}ita('i-
imem.

280

288

libera nos
.1 inalo
amen.

292

296

paternoster

270 nat] na H. 274 the] ]>\ J.

283 ageyn] geyn 5. 287 thix] his J H.
293 pcrill J. " 294 stoolows J.

278 with] The J H.
288 he shall haue J.

Lead us not
into tempta-
tion.

284

Deliver us
IroiJi evil.

70

Rrpositimi of the Pater Noster.

Pater nnstcr
is the best
prayer of all.

I have done
my best,
which was
little.

My soil is
dried up.

Let this he
laid on my
breHst with
my Testa-
ment, wlun
I die.

Of alle prayerys is moost victoryous,

Geyii our thre euniys to stondyn at dyffence, 300

So that Maria lyst sliewen her presence,
And fervent charyte be capteyn of tlie ffeld,

Fy on all Infernall vyolence,
So Crystys passioun he portrayed in our sheeld. 304

(39)
Lyk as a glenere on a large lond

Among shokkys plenty vous of auctours,
Thouh I were besy to gadren with niyn bond,

Lyk my desire, to liaue founde out som flours, 308

The grene was i-epen, russet were the colours, [leafsTj
I ffond no sugre in my snial lybraiye,

Soyll dryed vp of my sylver schours,
Ferful and dul there lenger for to tarye, 312

(40)
In. this processe any more to seye ;

Good will abood in myn Inward Entent,
The aureat lycour was in my study dreye.

Of Calliope and al hir favour spent, 316

Fond there no clauses, but shrowes al to-rent,
No thyng enlurayned wzt/t gold, asour, nor red,

"Wich shall be loyned with my testament,
Leyd on my brest, hour wlianne I shall be ded. 320

(41)
Though I was dul in my devocyouns,

Duryng my lyf with cordyall Eeuerence
Dayly to seyn thes sevene Petycyouns,

Herte and mouth accordyng in sentence, 324

With circu?Hstaunces of Intellygence
To plese the lord, with hooll affeccyoun,

Veyn thoughtis voide slouthe and necclygence
Mor than a thousand with-oute devocioun. 328

(42)
To alle my maystris knelyng on my kne lenvoye.

That shall reede this CompyLicyoun,

300 Ageyne J. 306 shokkys] stolkk^'s J. 307 Thof J.

308 ha H. 309 ropen H. 311 mt/] Tullius H. 317 skrowys
H J. 321 my] om. J. 322 cordyall] cardinall J.

Miscricm'iUas Domini. 71

T in;iy them meekl}' of ther beuyngnyte

First dewly iloon Exaniynacyoun, 332

And fohvj'ug afEter lust correccyoiin
AVlien tliey haue leyser and covenable spaco,

That I may ttynde Sniiportacyouii
By goodly ffavour to correcte of ther grace. 336

Explicit.

15. MISKPJGORDIAS D(3MIXI IX ETERNUM

CANTABO.

[From MS. B. M. Harley 2255, leaves 17-21.]

(1)
Alle croostlv sonfjis & ympnes that be songe, (leafiz] ah shonid

o J '^ J t o ' I)iai.-ie God.

Of Oold and newe reniembrid \n scnpture,
Heveuly symball or bellis that be ronge,

To jireyse the lord, by musyk or mesurCj 4

Fynal intent of euery creature
Shuide resounne to Goddys hih preysyng,

For which, 0 lord ! whil that my lyff may dure,
Eternally thy mercies I shal syng. 8

(2)
Dauid with his harpe sang solempnely David did so.

Tliis hooly Salme in his estat Roial, —
Misericordias domini,

His lierte, his l)Oody, mynde, thouht and al 12

Erect to godward in especial,
"With goostly love moost fervently brennyng,

"With this refreyt, verray celestial,
Eternally thy Mercies I shal syng. 16

(3)
And whan lie shuld fihte with Golye, [leaf i7, back)

Pryde was slayn, the palme gat meeknesse ;

334 laiser J. explicit q?<od Ioh«n?!t's Ivdgate H. om. J.

MSS. B. M. Harley 2255, leaves 17-21 ='H ; Jes. Coll. Cam. 56,
41-44=J ; Trin. Coll. Cam. R. 3. 21, 193 back, to 196 = T. Kubric
om. T. 1 sunge J. 3 rounge J. 6 reson J. 7 endure

JT. 9 solemplv T. 10 astate T. 14 ferueiit T. lb this]
))e J. 17 fight' J T. Goly J T.

' - Misericordias Domini.

SHtan b*^"^ Figure of lesw, j^roplietys spece%e,

humility. Wliau he slouh Satljau ^\it^l liis gret humblesse. 20

The slynge, tl)e stoonys, v. woiunlys did exjiresse,
Off the iij iiayles, tlie spere deep persyng :

Which to remenibre, lesu our liertys dresse,
Tliat Ave thy Mercies eternally may syiig. 24

(4)
Thau was his song, the sawter tellith thus,

In sigue of victory, the stoory who can reede,
Benedictus dominus meus.

Conquest of Dauid famous in length & breede ! 28

Ther is no tryumphe in knyhtood nor nianheede,
Marcial sheltrouns, nor haners brood splayeng ;

Which thyng remembryng, lord, I am bou?Kle m deede,
Eternally thy Mercies for to syng. 32

(5)
songiarenot '^^^^'^ ^^^ CanticuHs of Conque.st and victorye
forme, That be songe at feestis mnrcial.

And ther be songis of palmys transitorye,

With corious meetrys that be poetical ; 36

Laureat tryvniphes, proud and Imperial,
With boosty blowe in charys cleer shynyng,

Al this left off, with voys memoryal,
Eternally thy Mercies I shal syng. 40

D^cjs'^^'^ Virgile sang the Conquest of Enee, [leaf is]

Dares, or Difes Grec, of Hercules and lason,

iiucan. '

Frigius Dares sang in ther Cite

Prowesse of Ector, the Troian champiou?2 : 44

Lucan of lulius made gret boost and sown,

Slayn by the Senat, them])yre vsurpyng;
Set al asyde, make no comparisouw,

Eternally thy mercies I shal syng. 48

(7)
Off Alisaundre clerkys synge and reede,
Afftir his Conquest slayn in Babilon ;

21 //)f (2)] of J. did]orii.:i. 27 dens meus ms. J T. 29

kiiyglithode J T. 38 bostys T. boostfs J. 42 Dytees T.

Ditees J. 44 the] ovi. T. 46 the empire T.

Mucricoi'dias l)om ini.

73

56

60

Men syncjo of Cresus, kyng of Perce and Meede,

C)f Hanybal and the gret Scipiou//, 52

Of Adrastus and Agamenou« ;

Alle set a-bak, and fully reniembryng
Of hyni tliat made our redempciou??,

Eternally his Mercies I shal syng.

(^)
Gret boost is niaad, — but as for me no fors, —

Bildyng vi Yliouw in many stoory told ;
Getyng of Troye by the brasen hors ;

Of bolys, serpentys, that kept the flees of gold ;

Of Belleferon, that was so proud and bold,
And cam to nouht, ther storyes rehersyng ;

But of \es\\, as I am bounde and hold,
Eternally his Mercies I slial syng. 64

(9)
At funeral feestys men synge tragedies [leans, back]

AVith wooful ditees of lamentaciuu?i ;
In thorpys sniale be songe Comedies

AVitli many vnkoutli transmutaciou?t ; 68

Ech man folwyng oppynyou??,
Somme in reioisshyng, somme in conipleynyng ;

But for moost sovereyn consolaciou»
Eternally thy mercies I shal syng. 72

(10)
The Musis nyne sang the weddyng song

Of Mercurye And Philologye.
Thebes the Cite was reysed and maad strong

By touch of harpe and sugryd melodye, 76

As Gold Stace saide in his Poetrye ;
But what so evir they wroot in ther feynyng,

Our lord lesw to preise and magneffye
Eternally his Mercies I slial syng.

(11)
Circes whiloom, the gret enchau?jteresse,
"With song and drynk made folkys bestial,

Men sing
tragedies at
funerals,
comedies in
small
villages.

The Muses
sang of
Mercury and
Pliilology.

80 I sing of
Jesus.

Circe's song.

61 Belloferon T. 62 And] All J T.

77 olde J T. 78 fenyng J.

64 his] thy J T.

74

Miser'icordias Domini.

The Sirens. And Syrenes with warblys of swetne.sse,
And Avith tlier sugryd tvnys IMusical,
Blente tlier resouns and ther memorial ;

Made hem vnwarly fal in a slombryng,
But for to preise hym that is Immortal

Eternaly his Mercies I shal syng.

84

88

Deborah's
song.

(12)
Many Canticles in hooly writ be founde, [leafio]

Write and entitled for sovereyn remembraunce, —
Children of Israel that were in thraldam boumie

Vndir Pharaoo by many gret grevaunce, 92

By myracle accomplisshid ther penauuce,
With drye feet the rede see passyng

Tiiey sang Cantemus, but now for my plesaunce
Eternally thy Mercies I shal syng. 1)6

(13)

In ludicum, the woman Delbora

Sang a Canticle, Genesis tellith soo,
Tliankyng the lord by-cause Sisara

Distroyed was, that did so gret woo, — ' 100

To Goddys peple he was a mortal foo, —
Q,ui sponte optulistis, was of hir song gynnyng,

Takyng exau?)iple, wher evir I ride or goo,
Eternally thy ]\Iercies I shal syng. 104

(14)
Anna's song The firste Canticle remembrvd in Refirum

in Kimjs. i , ,

Was maad by Anna, moodir of Samuel,
Which began thus, Exultauit cor meum,

Ageyns hire whan Hely was so fel ;

Hyr preyer herd, hooly writt can tel
In what wise she maad hir offryng.

Thynkyng on lacob and on Israel
Eternally thy ^[ercies I shal syng.

108

112

84 suqryd] am. T. tvn-ys] timg«s T. 85 Blend J. 86 fait
MS. fall J T. 90 eutytyllyd T. 94 dry J T. red J T.

89-91, 92-94 remewibraunces, greuaimcos, penaunces, plesaunoesT.
100 gret] myche J. Ill on (2)] of J.

Misericonfias Domini. 75

(15)

Duke MoiseS, Lsrael teuluinyiit', [leaf is), Vmokl Moses.

Audite cell ho j^ang, as it was riht ;
Fluat ut ros, or reyn spred his doctryne,

And as deuh dropys verray silvir hriht IIG

Fallith on the greyn on niorwenys aftir nyht,
He tauhte his peeple at his depavtyng

To love tlier lord, witli boody, hert, and niylit,
Eternally his jNIercies for to syng. 120

(16)
Anivd the tlires the Innocentys thre Tiio three

'' cliildreii 111

Ananye, Misael, and with hem Azarye the Furnace.

Sang the Canticle Benedicite ;

Is"© flawnie of fyr men myht in hem a*pye. 124

Ilicli fressli with lieuenly Armonye
Sang ]yk Angelys, the fyr nat liem harmyng ;

Xow al the heuene M'ith sngryd melodye
Eternally thy ^lercies they do syng. 128

(17)

Off Betulia the peeple was maad fayn

By cause tliey wer delyueryd out of dreed,
Whan the Tyrau^t Olofern was slayn

By prudent ludith, Howrvng in womanheed : 132 Ju'iiurs

. . - . song.

Canticles songe for hir Conquest in deed,
Thankynges youe, for hir discret werkyng :

But liym to preyse that for vs list & blede.
Eternally his Mercies I slial syng. 136

(18)
Isaias, for conclusioun, [ieaf20] i^aiah.

To save the peeple from adversite
Of ful meeke herte, by contemplaciou»,

Sang Confitebor tibi domine ; 140

And ludith eft, by gret livniylite,
Gan Cantate, the peeple confortynge

113 to T. 119 myht^ all J T (a later liand scratched all and

u-rote myght T). V12 Azarye] Marie J. 125 ylyche T.

129-136 om. J. 134 worchyng T. 137 conclasioun] con-
solacioun J T.

76

Miscricordias Domini.

Geyn ther Eniiiyes fiuyous cruelte ;
But I thy mercies eternally shal synge. 144

(19)
Davij. Dauid remembiith of a Pellican

Figure of Crist which in seyntuarye
OfEryd liis blood for the lyf of man ;

To whom the lewes of malys were contrarye ; 148

And he was callyd passer solitarye,
Moost paciently his passiou?i sulfryng.

On hym remembryiig, God grau?it that I nat varye,
Eternally his i\Iercies for to syng. 152

(20)
Hezekiah. The noble kyng, callyd Ezechie,

Sang Ego dixi, restoryd fro syknesse ;
Benedictus made Zacharie,

And Symeon with fnl devout swetnesse 156

Sang Nunc Dimittis, with ful devout gladnesse
Withinne the temple at Cristes presentyng.

And now with lesu this Symeon, in sothnesse,
Eternally his Mercies he doth syng. 160

(21)
Habakkiik. Abacuk, that brouht the potage [leaf 20, back]

To Danyel lyeug in prisouw,
Off hool herte and deuout corage

Do?»me Audiui was his Orisou??, 164

In exitu Israel, canticle of gret renou/i,
Sang Israel, Jordan his cours tornyng.
Now blised lesu, lyk our affeccioiuj
Graunt we thy Mercies eternally may syng. 168

(22)
Vpon a mounteyn beside ]S'azareth,

Fro Dauid-is lyne, cheef braunche of lesse,
Mary's song. Sang Magnificat meetyng Elizabeth,

With goostly gladnesse, blyssed mot she be ! 172

Cheef examplayre of virgiuite,
Socour to man, our damages refourmyng.

149 Ac] here J. ;)«ssf?-] passyng J. 151 god\om.^. 159

witli J T ins. 160 /Ay J T. IJ T. doth:\ shall J T.

On. De Profundi 77

Marie, be mene of trouthe and of pita Mary, iie our

_ incilitatrix.

Tliat we his Mercies eternally may syng. 176

(23)
Patriarkys ami proplietis alle,

Apostlys, Martirs, bisshopis, confessoures,
To save the peeple to the, lesu, they calle.

Wives, widwis, maidnys with ther floures 180

Sviiare Osanna in tlie heuenlv cristal toures,
Wher evir is ioye and brihtnesse ay lastyng.

Now graunt vs, lesn, out of al mortal shoures
That we thy Mercies eternally may syng. 184

(24)
Moost ;:;raciou? song to syng in every Reem [leaf 21) Thisistho

Ecce quam bonu???. whan brotliren been al oon, all.

Synge to-gidre Lauda lerusaleem,

Preyse of hool herte Deum tuum Syon ; 188

With thre lerarchyes and angelis euerychon
Syng Sanctus Sanctus, there hedis enclynyng,

In feith, hoope and Charite, stable as a stoon,
Eternally thy niercyes they do syng. 192

Ex^/icj't quod Lidgate.

16. OX DE PPtOFUXDIS.

[MS. Bodley, Laud 653, leaves 8-11 back.]

Here begynnyth De profundus in Englyssh.

(1)
Hauyng a conseit in niv synipill wyt [leaf 8] Whiio t was

-itr- V. c " i. thinking

\\ ich ot newe ys come to memorye, what was

The prossesse to gronnde on hooly wryt,

Grace of our lord shal be my Dyrectorye 4

186bynT. 137 togedyr T. 188 AooZ] all T. Coloph^:

Amen T (lydgate added by Stow) om. J.

MSS. Bodley, Laud 683, leaves 8-11 back = L ; B.M. Harley
2255, leaves 40-43 back = H ; Jesus College, Cambridge 56, leaves
58-60 back = J. Title De pj-ofundisclamauiad te do7rtme Domine
exaudi vocem meam H ; De profundis clamaui J.

best

78

On Be Prqfundis.

to help souls
in purgalorv,

I WRs asked
why Di Pro-
fundis is
especially
said for
them.

This I will
try to tell.

Jonah rust
made it.

In niyii Inward hertyly Orratorye, —
Wliat availleth most while we ben lieie

To the sowlys that lyue in purgatorye,
Fastyng, almesse, massys, or prayere, 8

(2)
Another charge was vpon me leyd,

Among psalmy.s to fynJe a cleer sentence,
Why De Profundus specyally ys seyd

For crystyn sowlys, with devout reuerence, licafs.bk.j 12

Of fervent love, and benyvolence,
Seid as folk passe by ther sepulturys,

Though yt so be I haue noon Elloquence
In hooly wryt, I shall seke out flfygurys

(3)
Vnto purpos set in lytyll space,

Nat konnyngly, but affter my symplesse, —
To symple folk god sent dou7i his grace

Tliem preferrith, & fortherith for meeknesse, —

Yndyr whos support I shal my stile dresse
Oiito tliys psahne, rehersed here to-fforn,

Wzt/t ffygurys, wych I schall Expresse,
Voyde the cliaff, & gadryn out the corn.

Ground of thys psalme, tytyl & orygynall,
Ynto purpos a ffyguve ful palpable,

Jonas whylom devouryd yvith a whaall,
Made hys clamour, pytous & lamentable,
To hym that ys of myght Incomperable,

Wich hath power & domynacyoun

On lond and se, and ys moost mercyable

To here pe co?npleyntys for soulys in prysoun.

(5)
Augiisti- e Austyn, lerom, accordyng bothe in Oon

and Jerome ^^ ^

approve it. v pon thys psaime, as maad ys mencyoun,

16

20

24

28

32

5 Oratorye H. 6 beyne J. 7 tho H. })0o J. !i/nc]

been H. beyne J. The last three words in L hare been scratched,
but show. 10 rt] om. J H. clere in sentence f/js. J. 11 be J H.
12 cristen H J. 15 be so H J. 17 seet J. in a ins. H.

On Dc Fn'/nndia.

70

Whan Abackulc, of trull yore agoon, iifaini

Broiighte potage in to Ijabyloun, 36

Wher Danyell lay tfeteryd in prysoun,

Affter tigme, this mater to Conveye,
How almesse-dede and vysytacyoun

Gretly avaylletli to sowlys whan they deye. 40

(6)

Thys psalnie in viij Dauyd doth devyde,

A niorall fygure of viij blyssidnessys,
Wicli tliat our lord of grace doth provyde

To shewe liis mercy ageyn tlier wikkidnesses, 44

Ey massys songe, siiffragiis, and almesseys ;
Jlis passioujj cheef do helpe at suych a nede,

Ageyn the co?»pleynt of ther pey«ful dystressys,
His blood most vayleth that he did blede. 48

(")
By auctoryte to fynde out dyverse grou?idys,

Set on vertu the ffundacyoun,
Wliy in especyall this psalme De Profundys

Ys seid for sowlys for ther purgacyoun ; 52

Jonas remembryd, and Danyell in prysoun,
And Sely Joseph, cast in a deep sj'sterne ;

Thynk how Jesu fro7?t the Infernal dou?;geoiin
Brought many sowlys to lyf that ys Eterne. 56

(8)
Sampson, of strengthe whilome most souereyn,

Brake the gatys of Gaza the Cyte
And bar hem vp onto an hih mounteyn. [leaf o, hack]

Language of Judiht made hir to go ffre, 60

Of Betulya saued the Cyte,
Wlian she gat of Olofferne vyctorye.

35 wall J. whal H. 36 jiitnous J. 38 ^/a/r] figure II J.
Margin: visitacio paupc rum J H. 40 /or] of J. 42 ^]OtH.
Margin: Octo bfrt^itmiines. 43 lord'\ om. J. 48 a ualeth J.

40 i>j/] My J. 51 espicial J. 54 cely J H. cistren J.

56 sowleH. Margin: lonas Daniel losejih r.su H. 57 streiigh
J. Margin : Sainpson H. 59 an'] on J. 60 to] om. J.

61 Betula H. Margin: ludith liberauit Betulia H. 62 she\

shew J sic. )pe victorye ins. J.

David

divides it in
eight I'arts.

80

On Dc Profundis.

Thus devout prayeris, seid wtt/i huniylyte,
Delyuereth sowlys out of purgatorye.

64

Exam]
jirayer

(9)
lesof The thre childryn delyuered were also
With devout syngyng of Benedycyte,
Danyel, Mysaeel, and Abdenagago
Fro flawmy feer wente at lyberte ;
On ther was seyn appere among hem thre,
Them to preserve fro dau/zger and damage,

Tookene the masse seid of the Trynyte
Of synful sowlys the torment doth asswage.

68

72

Requiem is
a good mass
for souls iu
purgatory.

(10)

Dyuerse massis remembred been also

Of our lady, with other massys tweyne,
Of the Hooly Goost ageyn the mortal wo

In purgatorie, whan they morne & pleyne ; 76

Eek hooly churche of costom doth ordeyne
In especyall the masse of Eequiem,

Syiiguler reffuge to brynge hem out of peyne,
To forthe ther way toward Jerusalem. 80

Priests siiig-
insr lielps,
alms,

Placebo and
Uii-ige, Our
Lady's
Psalter, too.

(11)

Prestys profite to sowlys with syngyng,

Thorugh. al ]>e world lasteth ther auctorite,
Almesse-dede is a notable thyng, [leafio]

And lettryd folk loweer of degre 84

Wiih Deprofundus, placebo, and dirige,
Our ladys sauhter, seid with devocyoun,

In chirche yerdis, of what estat they be,
Whan for sowlys thej'' go processioun. 88

63 pvayeer H J. 65 Cliildre H. 67 Abdenago H J.

Margin: Tres pueri Daniel Misael Abdenago H. 68 feer]

firys J H. 69 thre so J H ; L has the. 76 moorne H.

miirne J. 79 singiilarye J. 80 forfhre H J. 82 last J.

lest H. 83 Almuse J. 86 lady J H. psaulter J. sawteer

H. Margin : Fiaut aures H. tiant aures tue intendentes J.

On De Profundis. 81

(12)

Fiant (?) aures tue iuteiulentes
in voceni deprecacionis luee.
Lat our prayer been this in sentence i^et tiiino

fars atU'iid

On-to that lord winch ys nioost of niyght, to my re-

0 cryst Ihesii, yi£f benyngne audyence

To our requeste of mercy more than riht ; 92

On us synnerys cast doun thy gracious sight,
That our prayer thyn erys may atteyne,

Thylke sowlys that brenne day and nyght
In purgatorye to relesse tlier peyne. 96

(13)

Si iniquitates obseruaueris domine
domine quis sustinebit.
Yif thow tlieni punisshe. lord, as tliey dvsserve, who could

■^ - J J 1 sustain tliy

AVith-outyn pite, tenipryd thy Kygour, punisUmeiit?

Ther wikkednessis yif thow do Observe,

Tabyde thy doom yt were to hard a schour, (if. lObk.j 100

Thy bloody woundys schall stille doun lycour,
Staunche ther peynes, doolf ull, sharpe, and kene ;

For but they ffounde in thy mercy ffavour.
Lord who is he, that myghte the bronte sustene? \Q\

Quia apud te piopiciacio est et propter
legem tuani sustinui te domine.
Pyte, mercy, luiue ther cheef dwellvnij i)lace Pity and

'' '^ >■ mercy plead

Above the hevenly sterryd mansyoun, for us.

Our advocatys to plete atfore thy tiace,

Cleyniyng a tytle be thyn hooly passioun, 108

Surest patent ffor ther Eedempcyouu,
Other sauffcondit seyn on no party,

Cros best standard to patyse ther raunsown,
Eight of tliy lawe to modytie with mercy. 112

89 o^ur] your H J. 97 Margin: si-domine H .J. 100 Tavoide

H. To abide J. 105 Margin : Quia — projjiciacio H J. Pitte

and ivs. J. 106 the] om. J. lOS hoohj] om. H J. 109 ther]

oureJ. 110 say f J. Ill Cros 4. j/is. H J. 112 Rygh J.

LYDGATE, M. P. G

82 On Be Profumlis.

(15)

Sustiniut aiiinia niea in uerbo eius
sperauit anima mea in domino.

My soul In tliy woorJ, lord, luy sowle doth abyde,

abides in -ii i ce • ^ /• ^

thy word. Born vp witli hoope and iieithiul attendaunce,

This is my trust all wanhoope set asyde

Hoolt in tliy passioun abyt myn affyaunce, 116

Fyx as an anker stable in hys creaunce, ikaf ii]

Eemevable nouther ffer nor neer,

As thow lyst assigne me my penaunce,

With hope tascende aboue the sterris clear. 120

(16)

A custodia matutina usque ad noctem
speret Israel in domino.
From eaiiy Fro tlic custoilye of the morwe gray

rising till . . . .

dark siiaii loward Aurora with Jiir pale lyght,

in the Lord. Whan LiTcyfer at droukyng of the day

Bryngeth Kalendis to glade w/t/t our siglit, 124

From pliebus vprist to sprede his beniysbright,
Fresshest ffygure oif Consolacyoun,

Hoope of Israeli tendure tyl yt be nyght,
Grownd take of Crystys glad resureccyoun. 128

(1')

So Christ's This is to seyne as Cryst lesu a-roos
help us. ' On Esterne morwe by record of scripture,

The stoon v}) lefft, though it afforn was cloos,

Whos glorious rysyng doth our feith assure, 132

That affter deth, out of our sepulture,
To lyff Eternal, that we schall a-ryse,

Cleyme be his passiouu and mercy to recure
Favour to fynde, or than he do lustyse. 136

113 ^/wrgfrn.- Sustinuit- eius H -meaJ. 116 abyde J. 117
oon J. 121 Margin: A-usq\ie H. matutina J. 126 om. J.

129 This is} This J. 130 estren J. 131 fof J. 136 than}
om. H J.

On l)c rrofimdis. 83

(18)
Quia apud doiniiiuni misericordia et [lenf ii, bncki
copiosa apud euiu redempcio.
This mater grouudid Dauit dotli recorde,
Kyng and propliete of luoos^t auctoryte,
AfFore tliy ft'ace abyt niyserycorde, David teiis

w-ii 1 • • • i -• "f Mercy,

NN itli liir 1) sustryii, pacyence and pyte, 140 Patience and

10 put vp our bylle of mercy ful pleiite, pitiid for us.

Enclosed above for our Redempcyoun,

With bloody dropis sliad on tlie roode tre,

At Paiadys gate to haue ingressiouu. 144

(19)
Et ipse redimet Israel ex omnibus
inqiuitaliis^ iniquitatibus eius. ijicMs.
The same lord most souereyu Sc most good

Of Israel hath bought al the wykkydnessis, lie hath

Our raunsom payed witli his hooly blood, israei'."^'^

Sowlys to brynge as prisoneris fro distressis, 148

Feith, hoope, & charyte, prayer & almessis,
Thy meek suHraunce geyu feer of purgatorie,

Maugre the malys of Infernal dirknessis
Schal them conveie in-to thy regue of glorie. 152

(20)
[Added from Harley 2255, leaf 43 back.]
[Quid Cirus qui<l Esdras quid Machabews in
compartio?ie ad domi«u?yi iesuxn qut nos
redimet sange^ine suo p;-opno super lignu??/.
By myhty Cirus kyng of Perce and Mede
God brouht israel out of Captyuyte,

137 J/arg-m.- Quia— copiosa H. misericordia i . 145 Margin. ■
Et-om?!ib?« J. Et-omiiib((s gentc.9 H. 147 pay de J. 152 fyie
J H. tfnj] fe J. 153 H and J have at this point what appears to
have been a trial stanza by the old nionke :

Thouli Cinis delyueryd Israel out of captiuite
And Esdras renuwyd in bildyni; Jeri(s«hin the Cite,
And Jewis wcni restooryd to" ther liberte
Be the victory of Judas' Machabe
Make no coniparysou?i to tlie Roial tryvmphe
Doon by Crist Icsu vpon the Koode tre.
J has the same. The two stanzas added above from H are also
in J ; they were probably uot in the original version.

G 2

84

Poems on the Mass.

And by Esdras, his book who so list rede,
Eenewyd ageyn lerusaleem the Cite,
And Eek in wourthy ludas ]\fachabe

God list shewe gi'et conquest and victorye ;
Tryvmphe of lesu doon on the Eoode tre

Delyverith soulys out of purgatorye.

156

160

Briefly com-
piled at
Cnrteys' re-
quest, in my
old age.

(21)

Condusio final.

Off this processe to make no delayes [leaf 43, back)

Breeffly complied of humble true entent,
Late charchyd in myn oold dayes

Abbas lie Bury

l]y William Curteys, which gaf comaundement

That I shulde graunte myn assent
Of tliat kyndrede make a memorial,

With De Profundis whan so that it be sent
At his chirche to hang it on the wal.

^xj)licit qttod lydgate.]

164

168

17. POEMS OX THE MASS.

Ye priests,
remember,

at ma.ss,

[Trinity Coll. Cam. R. 3. 21. leaf 205.]

1 1. An exortacion to Prestys when they shall sey
theyr Masse. [^ leaf 205]

(1)
y]E holy prestes, remembreth in jour herte,

Toward masse when ye do yow dresse,
Wtt/t loue and drede furst mekely doth aduerte

163 cliarchyd] charged J. 164 By AV C, interline om. J.

^'YlS^Trin. Coll. Cam. R. 3. 21, loaf 205 = T ; Caius Coll. Cam.
174 PP 453-4 = C ; Balliol College Oxf. 354, leaves 154-5 = B. In
T this article precedes, in B and C it follows the Vertues ot the

T
Masse

1 remember B C

A /I, Exhortation to P rusts. 85

Tlie diynile of vcrtuous noble5-se, 4

Tlie gostly trcso//r, the heuyiily gret rycliepse,
Good incomparable, ■who can aryglit conceyue, to iTfeivn

the Ldrd

Quaketli for Jrede, tremLleth witA mekonesse, withdread.

Lord of lordys when ye shaH rece3''ue. 8

(2)
Next remembretli on that otlier syde

Gayne liys goodnesse, youre gret iniquito,
Peysetli hys mekenesse agcyne yowr froward pryde,

Voydeth aH rancou?-, thynke on liis charyte, 12

"Weyeth Ins pacience ayenst yowr cruelte,
Shrvuen and contryte aforfi with Immble entent, ^^uZ^ ''°"'"'

Seye, " lesw Mercy," knelyng on yo7<r kne,
Or ye receue that holy sacrament. 16

(3)
Bethe ^vysely ware, and taketh good heede,

Of no presumpsion nor wilfuH hardynesse,
Take nat on yow that offyce but vfiih drede,

WM contryte hert your surfettes doth oppresse, 20 «e contrite.

Late byttyr teares wasshe your wykydnesse,
Wt't/i wepyng eyen scowre you?- conscience,

Than receyueth. Wit/i spiViYuaH gladnesse
The lord of lordes of most magnificence. 24

(4)
Ye byn eke holde to do your diligence

Wz't/i wyt and mynde and aH yo2<r gostly peyne
To pray for aH, present and in absence, Pray for all.

Vnto that lord of lorde^ most souereyne, 28

Callyd chyef -welle and condute, in certeyne.
Of grace and vertew, as clerkes can descryue,

And that ye may his mercy sone atteyne,
Goyng to masse, thynke on hys woundys fyue. 32

4 of] the 2)15. C. The vertnes Diguyte the noblesse B. 5 the
(2)] om. B. 6 wlioso C. Good] vertues B. can'] om. B. 7

QiMkdh] AVoke B. rvith] for C. 9 the tother C. U on his]
of all C. lo crueife] luiqnite C. 14 with a/^] ins. C. 15 lesu]
om. ¥,. 16 that] the. 17 right good ins. B. 19 u-ith] on

C. 25 holdyn C. bolde B. 26 all your eke ins. C. 30 can]
list B.

86 An Exhortation to Priests.

(5)
Hi"pa8sfo„. Ye shaH also most louyngly rememhre
Vi^pon Lys most peynfuH passyoun,
Howe he Avas hurt and bled in ewery membre,

Suffryd dethe for yo?/r redempcioun , 36

Yeueth thanke to hym of humble affecciouu
"VVhyche for yo?«- sake was woundyd on hys syde,

Beseketli that lord of mercy and pardoun,
In parfyte charyte, long with yow to abyde. 40

(6)
Kext, that ye haue a gostly appetyte, [leaf 205, back]

Ey influence oonly of his grace,
In hym alone to set aH youre delyte,
only! "" Wft7i feruent loue, yoicr ioy and your solace, 44

In your^' hert make hys dwellyng place
For youi- eternali consolacion,

Lat hym nat out of youre mynde pas,
Eepast of aungelles in the heuynly mansyon. 48

Explicit.

Envoy (not in Tiin. R. 3. 21}.
[Caius Coll. 174, p. 454.]

Go, lityll byll, with all humylite

Pray holy preste.« that have devocion
To syng ther masse, of there benyngnite

Off this dyte to have inspeccion, 52

]\Iekely compylede vnder correccion,
Dyrecte of hert, both to more & lasse,

Of humble wyll & no presumpcion,
To prestes dysposyd ecli day to syng ]>er masse. 56

Explicit.

36 7JOU7-] owr C B. 37 to hym] om. C. 3S on] in C.

44 JFith] yoiC7- B. 47 lyghtly oict] ins. B. Envoy, B's variations
from C. 50 >at they ins. B. 52 dyte] boke. 56 27rcstes]

folke. ech] eucry.

The Virtues of the Mass.

87

IT. The Interpretation and Virtues of the Mass.
[MS. Trin. Coll. Cam II. 3. 21, leaves 205, hack, to 214.]

(1)
y]E folkys all, ■vvhyclie haue deuocioun [leaf 205, back]

To here mas.se, fiirst do yoMr besy cure
WitJi all your inward contemi)lacion,

As in a niyrro?<r presentyng in fygure 4

The morall menyng of that gostly arnuire,
^Vhen that a preest, with mynystres more & lasse,

Arayetli liymsylf, hy record of scripture,
The same howre when he shall go to masse ; 8

(2)
Furst, vriUi your eyen verray coiitemplatyfe,

Calleth to mynde, of hoole affecciou??,
Howe the masse here in thys p?-esent lyfe

Of go.stly gladnesse ys chyef direcciou?i, 12

To haue memory of Crystes passion??,
As doctors remembre in theyr doctryne,

Geyne gostly sekenesses oure restauraciouw,
Our l)awnie, our tryacle, our helthe, our medycyne. 16

Title: adapted fi-om MS. Sand the dc Jf'orde print. ilSS.'Trtn.
Coll. Cam. R. 3. 21, leaves 205, back, to 214 = T ; St. John's Coll.
Oxf. 56, leaves 76, hack, to 84, hack = S : Balliol Coll. 354, leaves
144-155 = B ; Bodlev Hatton 73 (11. 1-376), leaves 1-7 = H ; Lam-
beth Palace 344, (11. 185-664) leaves 1 to8 = L ; B.M. Haiiev 2251,
leaves 179-188 = h ; Addit. 31042, leaves 103-110 back (11. 58-664)
= A ; Bodlev Laud 683, (11. 321-360) leaf 31 = 1 ; Caius Coll. Camb.
174. |.p. 451-455. (11. 593-664) = C ; de Worde print, s.a. (proh. ali.
1500) in Huth library, imnted in Fugitive Tracts, First Series = "W.
Title wanting in all save S, which reads : Hyc incipit interpretacio
niisse in lingua materna secundum lohanneni litgate monachum de
Buria ad rogatum domine Countesse de Suthefolchia. 1 Ve] The S.
Ye that beth of goode deuociou?; h. v:hiche tliat H. Oye ins. B. 2
here youre ins. h. furst rft>] with al h. 3 v:ith'\ which B. 4
present h. presenty A H. W omits line. 5 mortall nieh/ng] sic S.
that] 07n. h. 6 that]om. '\V. a] the h. 7 Araycth] He niekith
h. 8 hou-rcl tyme H W. Whan that he goth to say his masse.
9 vfrray] T hns here by a slip ' pi-ay.' Voure] om. L. 10 0/"]
with h \\, and calleth ins. ^X. to] vnto W. 11 Howe] Though S.
For H. here] om. S H. 13 of] on S. all of W. 14 predoctryne
sic\\. 15 Seven S. se/je?(t's.sf] gladnesse W. ys oure z«s. S. 16 &
14 interchanged^ in W. 16 our 3] om. W.

' The copy in Arundel 396, found too late for use here, will be
collated in the >'oies, vol. ii. — Ed.

Consider
first the
meaning of
the priest's
array.

The merit of
the merit

88

The Virtues of the Mass.

Go every
day.

(3)
Of hygh dj^screcion, yef ye lyst consydre,

As ye Aru bound of ve?Tay trowthe and ryglit,
Best p7-eseruasiou?i that 3^e do iiat slydre

In all that day for lak of goostly lyght, 20

Furst euery moroAv, or Phebus shyne bryght,
Lat pale Aurora condute yow and dresse

To holy churclie, of Cryste to haue a syght,
For chyef p?-cseruatyf gayne all goostly sykenesse. 24

(4)
Entryug the churche \\ixJt all humylyte
To here masse a morow at your rvsvnjr.
Kneel from Dysposyth your Self, knelyng on yo?/r kne,
revesting Yov to be there at yotir begynnyng,

till lie has
done.

[leaf 206J

From the tyme of hys reuestyng
Departeth nat, tyll tyme that he haue do.

To all your werkes hit shalbe gret furtheryng
To Abyde the ende of In Principio.

28

32

Keep qiiie"

Gaze not
about.

0>)

Kepe yow from noyse and langlyng importune,
The bowse of god ys ordeynyd for jn-ayere,

W/t/< syght and sylence sadly doth contynew,

In your defaute that noman noyse here, 36

Gase nat abowte, demure of looke and chyere,

As I sayd erst, tyll tyme the preest haue do,
Yo?w good, jour catall shall encrese yfeere,

To abyde tyll In Principio. 40

17 TiygM o"^- ^- V^f^ ^"'- 1^- ^U^f] must h. lyst to ins. W B.
17 runs in H : By verray discrecj'on if ye loke wide. 18 arii] om.
h. be W. of verray'] hy \'i. 19 You to preserue that AV. Bcsf]
Be h. slyde H. 20 In] of W. Nor tliat day nought forsake of

etc. h. 21 or] as S. 2-3 To. The h. 24 all] om. H h.

ayenst h. ageyu H. 25 all] grete W. 26 a] at L. a morowe]
fyrst W. 27 your 2] om. h. 28 your] om. all MSS. his AV.
fyrst atte the S. 29 ravescynjj B. reuyshyng AV. 30 De-

parthe S. to the S. for H. til he hath h. 31 forthyng B.

alle thy h. 35 coutnne H. 36 that] om. h. men no noyse
S B H ii. 37 Cast S H. with loke and with chere h. be demure
ins. B. and] and also of ins. H. 38 erst] rather H. tyme] om.
AV. the preest] ye h. o^ your catall] yow y\^. 40 ^y^^ the ende
of AV h. So ye abyde] ins. S H. Yif ye abyde h.

The Virtues of the Mass.

89

(6)
In sacryfyces of the olil[e] lawe

yVith the heede men offied vp the taylc,
From a good gynnyng men shuld nat "\vit//drawe

Tyll hit were endyd, !Moyses gafe counsayle.

A Averke begon ys of more avayle
Yef a good ende accorde well therto,

For encrese of yonr goostly trauayle
Abyde at masse tyll In Principle.

Explicit Prologus.

44

stay to the

L'lUl.

48

ftui vult audire missam uon debet abire
Donee dicatur & plene perficiatur
Principio si sis & et non in fine manebis
Pars sua parua datur que laus in fine probatur.

(')

[leaf 206, back]

52

56

The holy man, Pope Celestyne,

Lyke as I fynde wrytyn in hys lyfe,
Of gret deuocion and grace whyche ys dyuyne,

By God inspyryd in hys ymagynatyfe,

To oppresse the power of feendes mortall stryfe,
Ageyn iheyr nialyce to make resistence,

Bad prestys shuld, yvith voyce contempIat3'f,
To foie the Autere in Crystes hygh p?"esence

Cause Avhy ludica me deus ys seyde before masse.

(8)

Sey furst thys Psalme, wit^ looke erect to heuyn,

ludica me deus, of lioole hert entyer,

41 sacrifice h S H. olde S. 43 Fro goode begynnyng h. man
S. nat] om. h. 45 of] om. h. 46 iccH] om. L. 47 To encrese
thanne yowre h. And fore encrese of goostly S. and for H.
your increase of your gostly B. 48 at] a S. the h. a masse tyll]
the ende of W. 49 Hubrics in S B, as in T, at 1. 57, others om.
6f/"orr] tofore the S B. Qui . . . probatur]om. all. 49 Pope] the
pere W. 50 Lyke] om. h. 51 and with grace ins. B. grctc]

dyrecte W. which is] om. 'Q'R. rj>((/] in h. wliices/ch. 52 By
inspiraci'on H. enspyrcd in his] ins]>yrate ^V. his inward ins. H.
53 power of] om. h. of] of the ins. W. 54 thcpr] hish. to] for to
W. 55 2cith voijcc] wordis h. voijce] herte W. 56 Before h W.
57 psalme intend to h. Seven S. dyrecte W. 58 A begins

here, of hoolc] with Iiole hert and ins. A B. cf] with AV. Avith
hert H.

Pope

Celestine

first

established

Judica me,

Deus, at

mass.

^^ The Virtues of the Mass.

Tlieyr conscience purge from the synncs seuyn

Or they presume to go to the Awtyer ; GO

The same Psalme set in the sawtyer

For a memoriall of the captyuyte,

Howe Jerusalem stod in gret daungyer

At Babyloun, that fro ward fel cyte/ ^ms. feiyeyte 64

(9)
wntefh" '-^'^^^'^ Psahne compleynetli, as Lira dotli recorde,
of israd'/'*^ 'i'heyr long abydyng wet//yn Babylon ;
Songes of theyr exyle myght nat acorde

"\V^■t/; the Cantyclys of luda and Syon. 68

Of hope dyspeyred, theyr comfort was nygh gon,
Lyke as thys Psalme sheweth a fygure,

But God by grace restoryd hem eue/ychon
Home to lerusalem, by recorde of scripture. 72

(10)
Take of thys Psalme the moralyte,

Afore rehersyd on that other syde,
Be diligent with all humylyte,

Vppon the masse folowyng to abyde, 76

Have thys in custom, and god shalbe tliy gyde,
All that day to gou^rne thy passage,

In what pf-ryle that thow go or ryde,
The forto defende fro trowbyll and all damnge, 80

(H)
And for to yeue folk occasiouw

To haiue thys Psalme in more reuerence,

59 thr} om. S B H. 60 goon S. 61 same] om. h. This h.

spalme sic A. is setfe vns. L. 64 fell] om. h. k felle ins. A.

fell cyte S W H. felycyte T B. 65 compleyneth] conteniplntif

H. Lyre W. 66 ivith] om. li. 67 m«<] om. A. 68 and also
ins. A. 69 Off] om. h. clispeyryiige A. nere h A. 70 a

spalme A. in h \V. in a A. thys] the H. 71 ychon h. by

his i7is. H. recouered B. 74 o?i] om. H. and on W. of A.

tlie tothere S. 75 By dely^ence A. 76 On H. styll to ins.

A. 77 in] om. B. be thy] the A W. 78 thylke 8. that ilke A.
to] the h. to thy li. 79 and in iiis. S. that] om. h. that so]
euer W. SO all om. h A W. /w/-] om. all MSS. 81 for to]om.
h. for] om. W. folk the more ms. W. 82 in recidens sic B.

in the ins. W.

The Virtues of the Mass.

01

And liere tlieyr masse wiih grot deuocioim,

As they ar bounJe of trowthe and conscience, 84

I am full set to do my dylygenoe,
Aftyr my sympylnesse, this lytyll Psalme to translate,

^^'i't// lunuble support of your pacience,
"WhiTc as I faylc, the defaute ys [in] Lydegatc. 88

(12) |i leaf-J07J

' ludica me deus & discerne causam nieam de gente
non sancta ab homine iniquo & doloso erue me.

O tliuw my lord most myghty and eterne,

0 gracious lesu, of me?'cy and pyte
Deme thow my quarell, my cause also dyscerne,

Among myne enemyes or I enconibred be, 92

;My dredfull foon, that byn in nombrc thre,
The fende, the flesshe, brygauntes most mortall,

The false -world, full of duplycyte,
0 lesw, helpe or they yeue me a fall. • 96

(13)
ftuia tu es deus fortitudo mea quare me repulisti
quare tristis incedo du;// affligit me iiiimicws.

For tliow lord oonly, bothe in brode and leyngth,

Of ryght consyderyd, I dar ryght well expresse,^
Thow art my support and my gostly streyngth ;

"Why wylt thow, lonl, suffyr my sympylnesse

Forto procede in sorow and in trystesse,
Whyle my sayde enemyes prowdly me assayle ?

0 blyssed lesu, of mercyfull goodnesse, i >is. oppresse.
Grannt of thy grace that they may nat p/'euayle. 104

I will
tr.iiislalt' it.

Judge ine,
O Lord.

For Thoi:,
Lord, art my
100 slreiijstli.

83 gretter h. more W. theur] om.h. 84 ar] be h A. troulhe
and] good h. 86 to] om. H L. 87 your] am. A. defawte

es in A. faute vs in] S h R H. ludgate H. Wliere as defaute
is put the faute in lydgate W. Ivtgate S. Marybi of A :
Hunc Hhru?« qui dictauit Lydgat Q\\ristus no?«iHauit. 89 ff.
Tlie Latin headings are full in S, abbreviated in others. 91 imj
cause] nie W. also] thu H. dyscrene W. Q'^foon] enemyes W.
they be h. 94 Tvrauntis B. 96 helpe me ins. S. begynne to
falle h. 97 ait lord oonly in S h. botli in h. 98 ryght] yt S li
HA. 100 symplesse S. wil this h. 10] trystynesse S.

hevinesse h. dystresse W. streitnesse H. in 2] om. h A. 102
whyle myne enemyes W. proved h. 103 blyssed] om. A. of] oo
S. 104 may] om. h. may nat] neuer H. noghte A.

^2 The Virtues of the Mass.

(U)
Emitte lucem tuam & veritatem tuam ipsa me de-
duxeru?^t & adduxeruiit in montem sanctu?« tuu/M
& in tabernacula tua.

Thy'^Light" *^*^"^^<^ 6.ovfi-iQ tliy ]yglit, sende downe tliy ryghtwysnesse,

'^'^ly lyg^t of grace for consolaciou??,
Tliy ryghtwysnesse my passage for to dresse,

By parfyte prayer and deuocioun, 108

To reste in quyete, lord, sende thy grace downe,
Me to conuey that ther be noon obstacle,

Toward the liygh hilles of Siou?z,
Wzt/iyn thyne holy celestiall tabernacle. 112

(15)
Et introibo ad altare dei ad deu/zi qui letificat
iuuentute/;i mea//;.
tn^r^t ^"^'^ I sl^all enter vp to thy Autere,
Thy altar. Made strong in spyryt, groundyd in sadnesse,

For as me seineth, corage, face, & cliere

Eeioysyd byn yviih sp^■;•^Yuall gladnesse ; 116

My yowthe ayene reneAvyd to liys fresshnesse,
Whyche of olde custome in vyces was apallyd,

Tyll thyne expert gracious goodnesse
Hath my last ende, Agein^ to mercy callyd. lAgeinMs. 120

(16)
Confitebor tibi in cithara deus deus meus. [ieaf2or, bacuj
I shall be J gjjall [be] shryue & confesse vnto the,

shriven unto l j .; i

''■'''^8- In that harpe whyche for owre alther goode

Was set and wrestyd on Caluary, on a tie,

AVhen all thy senewys were streynyd on the roode. 124
Mary and lohn, vndyr thy crosse they stoode,

105 sende downe 2] and h. 106 For light of thy grace to be
my h. 107 pass S. for] om. h. to redresse h. 108 and he ins.
SA. and] in H.. hyW. consolacioun B. contemplacioun SH h A.
109 m] and A. a duwnn A. 110 to] om. A. Ill liille H.
hill h. hye S. 112 cclcftiall] om. h. 113 rp] lorde W. vppon
A. to] om. A. stanzas 17-18 tr. h. 114 in my ins. S. 115

semys B. 117 youHhc] thought S. 118 The wiche ins. A. of]
in S H A. 119 To L B. experye W. 120 Hath:] That S. Age
in T. ageyn S. ayen h. agayne A, etc. 121 ic] o»i. T. in all
other MiSS. T repeats and confesse. 122 thiike S H. alle H.
aller A. aldir B. hoope h. is for onre goode h. 123 on 1] at

all JISS. vppon S. o] the H. 124 synuse was A. 125 they]
tho B. vndre the h.

The Virtues of the Mass. 93

"With wepyng eyen, sownyng oft[e] tyine,

„ Tyll the repaste of our eteruall foodti
On E?tyr niorow rose vp afore pryiiie. 128

(17)
Quare tristis es anima mea & quare conturbas me.

0 thow niv soule, how mayst thow heiiy he, Why art

' "^ •' tiKui sad, O

Syth Cryst hath bought the with hys passion 1 '"y soul v

"What cause liast thow [for] to trobyll me]

Thy lord was sleyne for thy redempcion, 132

Gafe he nat also for thy refeccion,
On Sherethurschay, in fournie of wyne & brede,

Hys blessyd body in consolacion,
And on Good Fiyday lie was for the dede. 136

(18)
Spera in deo quoniam adhuc confitebor illi salutare
vultas niei & deus meus.

Trust in God, and be rvdit well certayne, Jmst in

' " . ■J ' God.

Yoyde of dyspeyre or ambiguyte,
For vnto hym I shall shryue agayne,

]\ly gostly icy gayne aU aduersyte, 1 10

Wliyche of my chere ys the felycyte,
Wliyle he ys my socour, alias, whom shall I drede 1

Gayne worldly perylles and infernall powste
He sparyd nat hys blood for me to blede. l-ii

(19)
The Moralysacion of hys Aray when he goth to
Masse, [lu Stow's hand] lohn Lydgate.
Yppon hys heede An Amyte furst he leythe. The amice.

"Whyche ys a sygiie, a token, and a fygure,

126 offte S. of W. oft T. 127 To h. 128 esterne S.

Estren h. rp] on>. li. the prime h. after H. 129 maistow
L. 131 for to SWBHA. 132 Was nat thy lorde h.

133-136 om. A. for to S H. 136 he] om. h. was he nat

S H W. 137 wele righte A. 138 or] and B H W h. and of

Infelicite B. cf. I. 141. 139 be shryve h S. nie shryve B.

confesse me H. 140 agayne B "\V S A. all om. "S H. 141 ])e

wiche ins. A. the] my A. 142 he ray socour ys LSHBA.
whom] whi H h. .'ihuld h A. schuld A. 143 poiiste] om. B.

pcrel h. 144 body h. 145 tf. S here picts the garments, etc.,

on the margin. Moralsacio sacerdotis tocinis apparatus in missa,
etc. A. 145 an] om. S. the prht hath h. 146 toktrne of h.
a 3] om. H.

94

The Virtues of the Mass.

The Alb.

The girdle.

The stole.

Chesible.

The jierfect
liriest, thus
clad, shall be
devout.

OwUvard a shewyug, grounJyd on the feytlie.

The large Awbe, by record of scripture, 148

Ys ryglitwysiiesse, pe?-petually to indure.
The long gyrdyll, clennesse and chastyte,

Rounde on the arme, tlie fauon doth assure
All soburnesse, knyt wz'tZi lunnylyte. 152

(20)
Cause why the stoole and Chesypyll ys.

The stoole also, strechyng fer in leyngtli, [leaf 208]

Ys of doctors the Angelyk doctryne,
Mawgre herytyke*' to stonde in liis streyngtli,

Fro Crystes law neiiey to declyne. 156

Cliesypyll aboue, wit/i cliaryte shall shyne,
Bryglit as Pliebus in hys niydday spere,

Holde euer hys course in the ryght lyne,
To frende and foo streche out his beames clere. 160

(21)
A parfyte preste made strong wit/i thys Armure,

Tofore the Auter as Crystes champioune,
Shall stond vpryglit, & make a discomfyture,

All our .iij. onemj'es venquysshe and here downe, 164

Tlie flesshe, the world, Satan that fell dragowne,
Fnrst to begynne or he further passe,

With contryte hert and lowe confessiowne,
And so procede deuoutly to the masse. 168

(22)
To God aboue, set hath hys desyre,

So that his charyte shyne clere and bryght,

147 «] om. W. in A H. the] om. A. Outwardly H. a] om.
H. and ins. h. 148 albe A. largeable W. 149 Aryghte-

Avysnesse A. perpetuall W. 151 on] of A. 152 knyttes A.

153 fere in] on h. fere] all B. 154 saith the angels h. 155
Amonge h. stonden S. 156 Fore S. 157 to scliyne S H. to
our fyne h. 158 Bryght] om. h. 159 Holdetli h W. Holdes
A. Hold B. That S. eucr in H. righte A. 160 frende and
foo] om. h. strecchyng A. 161 parfyte] om. h. this] om. S.

163 stounde A. to make B. make no S L. aiid]om. S. 164
all] om. h. to venquych B W. 165 that] the L S. & sathan B.
166 or] are S. we W. ferrare A. 167 herte] om. h. lowly S H.
lufe A. 168 so] so to AV. to] in S H. 169-176 om. h. 169
settysA. A«</i holly S H W A. lowly B. 170 clerly H,

The VirlncH of the Mass.

95

Ai\)ie tlie gosjiell he nedys must liaue fyre,

Torclie, taj'yr, or^ wex caiidyll lyght, ' Ms. or.
Token that Cryst, wlio consydyr aryght,

Ys ven-ay bryglitnesse of lyght, Avl)yche ys eternc,
To fliase aAvay all derkenes of the nyght,

In parfyte lyfe to guyde vs, and gouenie.

(23)
Gynnyng the oiFyce thre tymes rehersyd.

Eogynnyng tlie Utfyce, by trebyll rehersayle,

Of custom vsyd the repeticion,
Tokeneth the fuyre brennyng in the entrayle,

Of olde prophet(?6^ by inspiracion,

Whiclie had a feythfull feruent inspeccion
Of Crystes co?Hmyng, by all theyr p?-&phesyes,

Of hys byrthe and incarnacion,
For Avhyche the Offyce is rehersyd thryes.

(24)
Declaracion of the Kyrie.

Kyrie and Cryst, in nonibre thryes thre,

Wordys of Greke, playnly to detennyne,
Of mer[c]y- callyng to the Trynyte MS. mery.

V^iih gostly grace hys pepyll to enlumyne.

Tke nombre ys token of the ordres nyne,
Our orysons and prayers to present,

To Cryst lesu most gracious & benygne
Goodly to accept tlie fyne of oure intent.

Gloria in excelsis. [leaf 208, back]

Gloria in excelsis deo, next in ordyr son^
Tokyn of vnyte and parfyte pese,

172 The candle.

17G

The Office.

180

184

Kyrie.

188

192

Gloria.

lg»

_ 171 nedys he must H. 172 of T. or'] all MSS. or elles were W.
Kaiidle or A. 173 cons-iderse A. 174 ichyche ys] om. H.

175 all] the \\\ the] om.V^' S. 1 76 gye] S. 177 Gynnyng of S.
of the H. relierse call S L. reherse called AV. ojncc] masse b.
179 tiayell S. trauayle H. ISO spiiites h. 181 pe wiche viis.
A. god hath feythfull fervent R. fevthefull trewe H. feruent]
om. S. 182 theyr] the. 183 and of his W. and his blessed
ins.h. his i/i5. A. 184 For the //is. h A. 185 L begins here.
to] om. S B. Declaracio kyrie mouies ivpititer, siguiticat noue??i
oidines Ange'.oru//t A. 187 Off] kyrie fou W. 188 Illuniviie

LHAh. 189] orrf/TS no//(b/-t's B. of th€]om.\\. takcn'H.

190 re].resente H L. 191 To] 0 H L. 192 to] om. S H L h W.
194 and of W H h. and a S.

96

Tlie Virtues of the Mass.

The Orison.

The Epistle.

At Crystes byrthe liei\le in Latyn tong,

Hygh in the eyre by Aungellys doutlese, 196

Present shepardys, wliyche fur theyr encrese

Toward Bethleeni beholdyng a bryght sterre,
15y grace inspyryd, put hemsylf in pre.^e

To see that chylde, whyche stynt[e] shall our werre. 200

(26)
Thus trebyll pease in Bethleeni furst began,

When Cryst was born, of grace hit dyd fall,
The furst[e] pese betwyxt God and man,

Tvvene man And Aungell, and nacions all; — 204

Grounde of thys pese lay in An ox stall,
Porely wrappyd, lord of the hygh empyre ;

Lat vs echone to hys mercy call
To send hem pese that hertly pese desyre. 208

(27)
Then foloweth the Oryson.

For all Crystyn deuoutly for to prey.

The prest at masse shall sey an oryson,
For lyuyng pepyll that they may, or they dey,

Haue repentaunce, shryft, and covumunyoune, 212

Soules in peyne, relese and pardoune,
Grace thorow all nacions, loue and charyte,

Pacience to folkes, that byn in prisoune,
Helpe to all nedy that lyue in pouerte. 216

(28)
The Epystyll next And what hit betokeneth.

The Epistyll next ys fygure of the sonde

When Cryst furst sent, the booke maketh mension,

196 doutelesse A. 197 the>jr] the S. for] of W. 198 by-

helden H L. re] the h. 199'thpv put ins. W. 200 se thylke
W. stynte H L W. 201 Thus] this h B A W. The S. "202

cure grace dide A. 203 fyrste S. firste A. betwexe] S. by-
twi.xe A. bytwyne L h W H. The] om. W. 204 and also ins.
AV. and man h. Betwene S L H W. A twene h. 205 thys]
om. h. 205 oxes H W. oxe S. 206 the] thy S, owi. HLh A.
207 vnto W. 208 To] om. W. hevi] hym W. 210 an] om.

S H L. the h. 212 schrytft and S W B. hosell and confessyoun
H L. 214 tlwroTo] to h. 215 to tlie folkes ins. W. that byn]

om. S W. tliat beth H L. theym that bien h. Stanza 28 om. h.
217 Pyatyll S L H A. The] om. W. sygnge S. 218 as the ins.
W. sende H L. makyt L. makes A.

The Virtues of the Mass. 97

Hys disciples, ami made liem take on lioiide

To pjrche hys name in eue?'y regioune ; 220

Petyr, Poido, lohan, lames, sent doune

Theyr epysteles, by wlios vertew gan cease
Tlie synagoge*' dominacion,

And Crystes feytlie by V6>rtew gan encrease. 224

(29)
The Epystyll ys a tokyn and a fygure,

As seyen doctors of law and prophesy,
Of Crystys co?Hmyng, by euydent scripture,

As patryarkes Aforne dyd specyfy. 228

And baptyst lohan, sone of Zachary,
As a bydyll tolde howe Emanuel), —

Aforne remembryd by olde Isay, —
Howe on that name shuld grow[e] the gospel). 232

(30)
And semblably, so as the moroAV gray (leaf 209]

Ys messynger of Phebus vprysyng.
And bryngetli tydynges of the glad[e] day,

So the Epystyll, by processe of redyng, 236

To vs declareth most gracious tydyng,
Of the gospell, recorde for that party

;Mat)iew the euange)yst, affermeth )jy wrytyng
Of Cryst \es\x all the Genology, 240

(31)
The Grayle next.

Aftvr tlie epystyll folowetli tJie grayle. The

Graduale.

Token of Ascendyng vp from gre to gre,
In ve?-tew vpward procedyng stound[e]mele.

The grounde furst take at humylyte. 244

Eeysyd by grace, feythe, hope, and charyte,

219 Jjam A. yn L. 220 prechyn S. 221 Peter Amirewe James
Johan he eente downs W. laniyse A. 222 whome sic W. 223
all the ins. "\V. 225 pystyll S, etc. Epjs^le A. a 2] om. L. a

very W. 226 and of ins. A. 227 by] and A. 228 before W.
229 lohan baptvst B W. baptvzyd L. the sone iyis. L A. 230 bedel
H L S h A. hoive] that H L. " 231 6.v] of. 232 on'] of H L. in h.
growe S. stanza 30 c»?«. h. 233 so] riglite A. 234 is a i/is. W.
235 gladde S. glade A. 236 Loo dothe ins. A. prophecye S.

238 for] as H L S. of A. 240 crystys byith H L. AS margin
Gradale. 241 Pystyll S, etc. Grayell S. 243 procadynge sic
W. om. L. stonede emelle sic A. 244 tak fyrst S. taken L.
ytake A. take] om. W. 245 Reysyng H L. Ryseth W. witli L.
LYDGATE, M. P. H

98

The Viri'ucs of the Mass.

Tlie
Alleluia.

The Tract

and

Sequence.

The Gospel.

The Creed.

With pai'fjte connyng and humble pacience,

With compassion and fraternall pyte,
In Ciystes passion set hoole theyr confydence.

(32)
The Alleluya the Sequence and the Tract.

Alleliiya, in ordyr next folowyng,

Tokeneth prayer for our saluacion,
Twyes remembryd, for lawde and for praysjing,

With deuout hert and hole affeccion,

To Cryst dyrect, that suffryd passion,
Our soue?'ayn lord, most parfyte and most goode,

The tracts, the sequence, for short conclusion,
Sung in his lawde that for vs shed his bloode.

(33)
The Gospell.

The gospell gynneth with tokenes of Tay,

The book furst crossyd, and aftyr the forhede,

lesMS our shylde, our streyngth, in all ve7"tew.
On Good Fryday clad in purpyll rede, '
A crowne of thorne set sharply on his hede,

Foure Euangelystes remembre hit in substaunce,
Vs to defende from all worldly drede,

In Cryhtes gospell stant hoole our cheuysaunce,

(34)
Credo in solempne dayes.
Tlie gospell rad, A Crede aftyr he seyth,
Solempne dayes for a remembraunce,

248

252

256

260

264

246 comyng W. comonyng H. knowynge A. 247 fraternyte
W. 248 faiie A. om. L. 249 tf. Alleluya sequeinia Tiactus
margin of S A. 250 Betokense A. our] ovyr L. 251 re-
membryug L. for 2 o?«. BL A. for our ins. W. 253 cryest sic
H. Vnto W. 25i moot2orn. WRL. gude A. 255 trayte
W. traycte L (in red), the 2 and A seqiieiis L (in red). 256
Sowndes A. 257 begynneth W L H h A. token W. have A
sic marg. Eiiangeliiini A. gospel L (in red). 258 ovyr L.

260 and lede ins. H L. 261 thornes W. schapply S. sharp L.
264 remembryd. stant all hooll ins. S. hooW] om. HAL. all
our ins. H L. stondyth B. standyth H L. stande A. 266

Margin of A. Credo in sole7?mib!6s. 266 The solempne A.

dayes'] om. A.

The Virtues of the Mass.

Of twelfe Artycles longyng to our feyth,

Wliyche Ave ar bowiule to leeue in our creaunce ; 268

J-iuther to dy tlian Any varyaunce
In any poynt were^ in our lierte founde, » ms. where.

For feytlie \iiih werke to God dotli gret plesaunce,
Lat Ys thcrfore beleue as we ar bounde. 272

9!J

(35)

By interpretacion, wlio wysely can aduerte, [leaf 200, back]

The Offertory ys namyd of offryng,
As wlien a man offreth to God hys herte,

Rycliest oblacion rekenyd by wrytyng, 276

And for Melcliysedech, botlie preest and kyng,
Gane brede and wyne to Abraham for vyctory,

Whyche oblacion in fygure remenibryng
Eche day at masse ys sede an offertory. 280

The
(JfTertory

(36)

Tokyn tliat lesw, our soue?-a3'ne and our lorde,

Agayne our febylnesse and our impotence,
Left on the Awter callyd Crystes owne borde

Hys body, hys blood, relyques of most reuerence, 284 ■•» tf'i^'e" <'f

1T7 1 1 . , •• ,.,. Christ.

We to receue liem wilh deuoute dilicrence.
In forme of brede and wyne for a memory,

Fygure that the chyef lambe of Innocence
Offryd vp hys body, grounds of our offertory. 288

267 Of] the A. that longith h. lonynge W. vnto L. 268 The
whiche L. bounden S. beleue H W. our'] om. W. 269

ony nianer AV. vereance A. 270 were S W H h L. where T.

ma. B. yfownnd A. be founde B. herte H S. Iicrtys A
hert L h B W. 272 ar] be h W. 272 line mi. A. 273

By] om. h. 274 offertory (in red) L. name L. made \\ .

Mnrgin offertorium S. 275 when] om. L. offirs A. 276 ))at
ys rychest ins. B. )je righte oblacyone A. recorde L. 279

For whiche ins. AV. figure by im. h. 280 Iclie ]i. Eurry

A. In eche ins. W. seyde is the h. an] as A. om. B. 281
Tokenyng of h. Tokenynge {lat A. Yca-ws L. 282 Oyen

h. our] om. h. impotent A. 283 List h. on] apjmn A.

gooddys L. 284 relekes S. om. h. 285 Devote A.

diewe h. 286 a] om. h. fore S. 287 lie ys the iiis.

B A. the] he S H. tlic h. 288 vp] om. W. our] the S H L.
grounded W.

H 2

100

The Virtues of the 3Iass.

The Secret.
The Preface.

Sanctus.

Memento.

(37)
The Secrete and the Preface

Next the secrete aftyr tlie offertory,

The prefas foloweth afore ^ the sacrament, ' ms. aftyr.
Aungellys reioyse v:iih Lawde, hor\oia-, and glory,

From the heuynly court by grace they ar sent, 292

And at the Masse abyde and be present.
All our prayers deuowtly to report

To hym that syt aboue the firmament,
Sovvlys in peyne they refresshe and comfort. 296

(38)
The Sanctus sung thryes

The oolde p?"ophete, holy Isay,

Saw hygh in heuyn a trone of dignyte,
Where Seraphyn sang witJi euery lerarchy,

Sanctjis, Sanctiis, Sanct?is, before the Trynyte ; 300

Aftyr the prc'face, rehersyd tymes thre,
With voyce melodyous, and aftyr that Osanna,

Hygh in excelsis, tofore the mageste,
Afore the sacrament of our gostly manna. 304

(39)
Of .ij. Memento.

Of memento at masse ther byn tweyne,

The furst remembreth of folk that byn alyue,

And the secund for they??i that sulfre peyne,

AVhyche by the masse byn delyueryd blyue 308

Out of torment, as clerke.s can dyscryiie,

289 offeratorie H. next is ins. A. Margin of A : Secreta &
Prefacfo. 290 Preface {in red) L. prist h. '290 afore

H S L. before Wh. aftre A. aftyr T. 291 Imvde] om. H L.
292 the] om. h. ar] be li. hidre seat A. aysent. 293 And] om.
L. liabiden A. they abide ins. \V. bere there present ins. A.
294 doutely A. 295 hegheste abowhe i)is. A sic. 296 Saules

A. also doo comforde A. 298 in pe trone ins. B. trone] ciowne
W. 299 were L. 300 Margin of A : Quare fer dovtinus

sanctus. 301 the] om. h. 302 Osanna] om. L. 304 Aftre

A. Before W. sacryng hSAW. sacrenient H L B. 30.5 }'e
ins. A. mememtoo.s W. be S. at the ins. L. 306 on lyue S.
on folke AL. of]om. A. remembryng L. 307 hem S. And
om. h. 308 ))ay be ins. A. be releued by theyr lyue W.

swithe h. be lyfe A. 309 torneraer.t H. as] a B.

The Virtues of the Mass. 101

Syngvng of massys, and Cryste*' passion,

And remenibraunce of hys woundys fyuo,
]\ray most avayle to theyr remission. 312

(40)
\^i{h all yo?<r myglit, and iu yo»?- best intent, [leaf 2101

Awayteth aftyr the consecracion,
At lyftyng vp of the holy sacrament Say a prayer

Seythe " \es\\, mercy ! " with hooly affeccion, 316 icvationor

Or seythe som other parfyte oryson, sacrament

Lyke as ye haue in custom deuoutly.

Or ellys seythe thys co?«pilacion
Whyche here ys wrete in ordyr by and by. 320

(41)

Here foloweth a lytyll prayer made and compyled by
hy?/i that made thys tretyse vndyr correccion. [Jolm
Lydgate : ^Yo«'.]
Hayle, holy lesn, our helthe oure goostly foode, ihh!'*^

llayle, blyssyd lord, here in forme of brede,
Hayle, for mankynde offryd on the roode,

For oure Eedempcion w/t/i thy blood made reede, 324

Stimg to the hert ^\i{h a speres heede ;
Now, gracvous lesw, for thy woundys fyue, naii, Jesus,

' ® •' ' -' "'_. , our health !

Graunt of thy mercy, to-forne or I be dede,
Clene hosyll and schryft, whyle I am here alyue. 328

(42)

0 lambe vp offryd for man in sacryfyce,

Naylyd to the crosse of mercyfull mekenesse,

310 and} of L. 311 AiuT] A S. 313 At the leuacioun of the
sacrament h. 313 Bot thane with ins. A. mynd B. mi] om. H L A.
al h. MarginofS: Leuacio sacramentis. Z\b the]orii.'L. saere-
ment L [in red). 316 Say A. hooll S H L B A. om. h. 317 Or
elles save W. parfyte] om. B. 318 Lyke] om. ^\. 319 Orellys
sic T. " this lytell ins. "W. contemplacyone A. 320 es liere A.
•writen h. wretyn L S H. 321 1 begins litre ; here is a prayer to
the holv sacrement. Orisones deuote ad sacrainentuni marg. of S.
Oracio HL (in ml), om. k. ZTl oureheUhc]om.yi\.. _ 322
our blessid ins. h. 325 Streken A. spere LAW. 327 or]
om. BW. before W. 32S C/enc] Eucr h. shryft and hosyll
H LA. on lyue S. S appends Amen to stanzas 41-49. 329
man in] our H L. offered vp L.

102

The Virtues of the Mass.

Grant me
pardon ,
before I die.

Teacli me to
please Tliet.

Let nie
receive Thee
ere I die.

Whos bloode downe raylj'd on most pyteous wyse,

To scowre the rust of all my wykydaesse ; 332

Of all my synnes to the I me confesse,

Now lord, mercy put nat in delay,

But graunt me, lesn, of thyne hygh goodnesse,

Meke shryft and hosyll before myne endyng day. 336

(43)
0 blessyd frute, borne of a pure virgyne !

Wliyche w'iih tliy passion boughtest me so dere,
For Maryes sake, thyne eares downe enelyne,

Here myne Oryson by meane of her p[r]ayere, 340

The forto please, teche me the manere,
Voyde of all vertew, saue oonly of thy grace ;

Graunt in the fournie that I see the here,
The to receue, I haue lyfe and space. 344

(44)
My lord, my maker, my sauyo;/?*, and my kyng.

When I was lost, thow were my redemptoure,
Supporte and socour here in thys lyuyng,

Agayne all enemyes my souerayn protectoure ; 348

My chyef comfort in all worldly laboure,
Graunt me, lord, coGfession, repentaunce,

Or I of dethe passe the sharpe shoure.
The to receue vnto thy plesaunco. 352

(4.5)
Late thy modyr be present in thys nede, [leaf 210, back]
That I may clayme, of mercy more than ryght,

^31 raylyng 1. ran down B. trayled H L S. rayllede A.
pytyvouse A. most^ fiil 1. 333 my] ovre L H B. all] om. L H.
334 good lord ins. S. of mercy ins. L. into W. 335 lesu] lord 1.
336 to fore 1 S. afore A. beforn h. 337 pore B. 338 Whiclie
om. 1 H L. that bouhtist i"s. 1. toc] vs H L. 339 niary H L.

niarye A. 340 Nere .sic h. 341 /or] om. B. Thertbr b. to

teube ins. b. 342 of] om. B. thy] om.. A. 343 the] om. B.

that lorde as \V. 344 The] me h. tbe to receyven or than I

liens passe 1. may bane ins. S L H b A W. 345 sauyour] souer-

ayne li. 346 ware L. was A. 347 cbiet' belpe and ins. 1.

348 all om. L. 349 all my ins. B. 350 witb repentaunce

ins. S H L. and repentaunce ins. h A B. 351 of] to tbe A. the]
tbat b. shnvyr L. 352 thy] my A W. 353 lorde be ins. W.

eu<;r in ins. H L. grete nede ins. A. 354 than of ins. H L W.

That] What L.

The Virtues of the Mnsa. 103

Myue herytage, for whyclie thow ilcdyst bl«;de,

And ijrraiint me, \es\\, of thy cjracious myght, 356 LwtmeHoo

Eche day of the for to haue a syght, ^'^y.

For gostly gladnesse to my lyuys ende,
And in spyryt to make myn hert[e] lyght,

The to receue or I hense wende. 3G0

(46)

0 pascall lambe in Isaac fyguryd,

Uwre spirytuall ^Nfanna, brede coutemphityf,
Sent downe from heuyn, in whyche we byn assuryd

Geyne all owre foone, strengest confortatyf, 364

Tokenyd in paradyse vppon the tree of lyfe,
Whyche shuld Adam restore vnto hys place,

Graunt me, lesu, for a restoratyf,
Thee to receue or I hen[e]s pace. 368 'weiveTi.cc,

(^7)
Thow art in fygurc, 0 blessyd lord lesu !

Agayne sathan myne heuynly champion,
My losue, my p/'ince of most vertu,

That hyng .vij. kynges vp at Gaboon, 372

My gostly Sampson, whyche strangyldest the lyon,
And slovve the dragon 'with all hys hedys seuene ;

Graunt, or I dy, Cryst, for thy passyon, fmnr"*'

1 may receue tl>ys brede sent downe from heuene. 376 i'«ftvon

(48)
As I seyde erst, of Aungellys thow art foode,

Eepaste to pylgryms in tlieyr pylgremage,
Celestiall brede to chyldren that byn goode,

Figuryd in Isaac, thrytty yere of age, 380

Yp to Caluary when thou toke thy passage,

356 gracious] grete L. glorious h. om. W. lesw lorde 1. 357
lehe h A. onys of im. 1. for to ins. A 358 For] And h. into

W. 359 herte S. sowle 1. 360 when I schall hens wende.
henes L. 1 ends here. 361 specvalle sic A. in] by H L. ysaye
Wysacce A. 362 speciall HLWS. 363 >e wiche ins. A.

364 Agevn L H. Ageynes A. alle om. h. ))at is strengest.

365 v^ypon] if H L. ' 366 to H L. have restored Adam W.
369-376 om. B. 371 lesws h. 372 prynces H L. vpon a
Kabvonn h. 373 t>e wiche A. strangelest H L. 374 all hi.t]
The H L. 376 descended W. H ends here 373 vnto W.
379 glide A. 380 yeris A. 381 Vp] om. W. thy] the ii.
posse W.

104

The Virtues of the Mass.

Have mercy
on me !

Amen.

The Pater-
noster.

Above all
prayers, if
said with
cliarity.

0 lem, mercy, grainit or I be dede,

And or decrepitus put me in dotage,
To baue a repaste of thy celestiall Lrede. 384

(49)
My gostly trust, charyte, hope, and feytlie,

Myne aduertence, my mynde, and my memory.
All of Acorde my sowle vnto the seythe,

Haue on me me;-cy, 0 souerayne kyng of glory, 388

Wliyche syttyst hyghest in the heuynly consystory,
lesn, lat mercy .surmount thy Eygour,

That thy passyon allay my purgatory,
Furst by receuyng of thee, my sanyour. 392

(50)
Furst, to excyte and meue your corage.s [ieaf2ii]

To deuout prayer of hole affeccion,
The Pater-noster to all maner of A^^es

Ys most accordyng, most souerayne of renowne ; 396

Rfus hym.sylf made that orysowne,
Taught his dyscyples how they shuld prey,

Muse not hereon, make no cojHparysowne,
To hys doctryne all crystyn men must obey. 400

(51)
Sliort and compeudyou.^e, vp strecbyng to heueiie,

Vnto that hygh celestiall mansyons,
Eche clause out-tolde, dyuydyd into seuene,

As most notable gracyous petycyons, 404

Gierke*' all conclude in theyr resons,
Aboue all prayers hath the soueraynte.

So hit be seyde in yo«r affeccyons.
Of gostly loue, and parfyte charyte. 408

382 me or ins. B. 383 om. L. into A. 384 a] om. h.

385 My] By W. 387 ane A. saule A. 388 0] my L. oure A.
389 the] om. L S. 390 0 lesu ins. L. thy mercy ins. S. 392
J)e rescheyuyng A. the] om. A. E.xplicit oracio h. finis oraciouis
L margin. 393 Incipit pater noster h. 394 huhi] S. 395 Vater
'Foster L (in red), to] of L. of age A. of] om. L S B W. 396
and moste A W. 397 the L. 398 howe ))at ins. A. 399 liere
of nor make A. no] om. A. 400 muste] to B. 401 yn com-

peudyose L. righte and euene A. 402 that h. Am out tolde]
colde W. cause L. in A. 404 As] om. W. noble A. and

gracyose ins. L A. 405 concluded W h. h concluden A. 406
yt hathe ins. L h. ))is hase A. the] om. A.

The Virtues of the Masa.

105

AV/t//out cliaryte auayletli noone Almesse,

To clothe nakyd, or liongvy folk to fede,
Vysyte the sekp, or prysoner in theyr nede,^ i MS. mcde

Ilerborow the pore, ne noon Almosdede, 412

Yef cliaryte fayle, yoMr iorne may nat spede,
Nor all these virtues of trowthe be well sought,

Yotir Pater-noste/-, yowr A no, nor yo?/r Crede,
Where charyte fayleth, profyteth lytyll or nought. 416

(53)
Beware, ye prestes, when ye your masse syng

That loue and charyte be not fer absent.
0 gostly pepyll ! aforne make goode rekenyng

That your conscience and ye be of assent 420

Or ye receue the holy sacrament,
Enuy and rancor//' that they be set asyde

And parfyte charyte be ay wit/i yow present.
That grace to godward may be yotir souerayn gyde. 424

(54)
Pater-noster

Pater-noster, yef hit be sayde aryglit,

Hit doth include all parfeccion,
So that grace holde the torche lyght

That charyte, by trew affeccion 428

And feruent loue, haue dominaciou
From hys place all haterede to remewe,

That false enuy haue no possessyon,
Then ys thys prayer seyde in hys ordre dewe. 432

Without
charity
nothing
avails,

neither
Paternoster,
Ave, nor
Creed.

Beware of
this, ye
l.riesiR !

Paternoster
includes all
perfection.

410 To nakvd cloth R. the nakyd ins. h A. folkes A. 411
To visitte A. " 412 To herbere K. Harborowed W. ne\ om. h.
nor A. almosse A. 413 iournaii'\ charite h. ne may ins. A.
414 <roM<A€] charite h. ysowgth Sic L. 415 youre Aue^ om. '^ .
fayidh profyteth] auavleth W. 417 Bese A. yoiire] om. B W.

419 before W. good om. W. niaketh S L. makes A. 420 of

oon ins. S B L h A. at oon W. That] Late L. 421 the] that

"WA. 423 ahvay B. 424 The L. our W. 42.5 The pater
i7is. L. he L. ryghgt sic L. exclude all imperfeccion "\V. 427 of
lyght ins. L. 428 also by ins. L. in mannes ins. A. 429 ferme
L. haue the ins. W. 430 Jtcmue] and Rue A. 432 Whan
this prayer is sayd W. his om. L h. dwe S. diewe h. due A.
Explicit Tater nostev h. E.Kp?/cit oracio dominica A.

106

Agnus del,
for mercy,
peace and
concord.

The Lamb
of God

became the
Lion of
Judah.

The Virtues of the Mass.

(55)
Why Agnus ys seyde iij tjnnes iieaf 211, back]
Of Agnus Dei at masse byu seyde tlire,

The furst[e] tweyne besechyng for me/-cy,
The thryd[e] prayeth for pease and vnyte,

Agayne peryll raortall and worldly, 436

And agayne trowblys dredefiill & flesshly ;
Cryst as a lambe was offryd on tlie crosse,

Grogyd nat but suffryd pacyently,
To make redempcion, and reforme our losse. 440

(56)
Dilectus meus candidus & rubicundus

Thys lambe remembryd in Salrt»ion[y]3 songys,

Callyd Canticorw7«, most amerous of delyte,
In reformacion of our contagyous wrongys,

Whylom Avas song thys lambe, both rede and whyte, 444

Eede and rubyfyed by full gret dyspyte,
Hys blessyd body with blood was so dysteyuyd,

The Angelyk whytnesse cowde fynde no respyte,
With blody dropys hys face was so bereynyd. 448

(57)
Thys Paschall lambe on Estyr day he rose,

Callyd bothe a lambe and a lyon,
A lambe for offryng, whyche lay .iij. dayes close,

Lowe in the erthe for oure sauacion, 452

But at hys myghty resurreccion
He namyd was the lyon of luda,

For whyche the churche, reioysyng that seson,
Syngeth for gladnesse full oft Alleluya. 456

ins

L A.
prayet sic

m

T.

438

«]

G rugged
. an

433 Hie Incijyit Agnus dei h. at the
A. for] of h. 435 thirdde 8 A.

prayes A. Margin of A- title as at 441
(A. wovlilelj in via7'g.) A. 437 om.W.

a B. 439 GrucJhed S. Gruchchyd L-

A. he noghte ins. A. 440 and] om. "VV

losse] peas h. 441 remembryng L. songe W.
Canticorum] ins. S. of] and A. 447 wytnesse

448 so] 07n. S h. berayed W. 449 pasqualle A.

07n. L. pe wiche iyia. A. slosse sic h. 452 Love

To lyfe in the erthe A. 453 at] as H. 455

A. reioysethe S L. may syng h. 456 for yoy oft
ofttymes W.

434 fyiste

L. o>a. li.

436 dedly

om. L. the]

h. Gruched

d to ills. A.

442 Cantica

W B S h A.

451 for]

in charite L.

])e wiche ins.

L. often h.

The Virtues of the Mass.

107

(58)
Agnus dei

Thys Agnus dei brought wit/i hym poaso

To all the world at hys Natyiiyte,
Grace, gladiiesse, of vertew gret eiicrease,

For whyche the pepyll of hygh ami \o\ve degrc 4G0

Kysse the pax, a.tokyu of viiyte,
Whyche kyssyng doth playiily signyfy

Howe Pease ys cause of all felycyte
Of folk goueniyd hy prudent polycy. -104

(59)
PostconiMM

At the Postcomou the preste doth hym reiiiew,

On the ryght syde seytli Do^uinns Vobiscu?«,
Fyue tymes the pepyll doth salew

Duryng the masse, as made ys mencyon, 468

Fygure the day of hys Resurreccyou,
Fyue tymes sothly he dyd appere

To hys dyscyples for consolacion,
And furst of all to hys niodyr dere. 472

The: I, ami)
of (iod
broii^li).
peace.

Tlio priest
depaits at
the post-
comtnou.
He greets
tlia people,

(GO)
Salue S'/«''ta Parens [leaf 212]

" Salue sancta parens," he to hys modyr sayde,

Whyche was to her reioysyng souerayne,
Wiih tliese wordys when cryst lesu. abrayde,

Vj)pon whos vpryst !Mary ^Nfagdalayne

Wiih wepyng eyen, for constreynt of hyr peyne
Abode the rysyng of hyr lord lesu.

With other INIaryes the gospell telleth tweyno
Brought oynementi*' most soue?'ayn [of] vertu.

as .Jesus
Kieeted
'^'^ Mary,
ami the
Magifilene.

476

480

459 Off grace ins. A.

graces h.

of] with A. and grete ins. li.

460 For pe peple A. lawe and heghe A. 461 yu soleyn L.

agrete ins. A. 462 plajnly doothe S h L. playnhj] om. A.

464 Of alle ins. L. polyee S. polecye L. 465 renewe sic W.
466 On] And of A. sei/th] say tlie. 467 lie doth the people

iris. W. 469 Fygurethe S. J^at Fig?a-es A. 470 he sothely

dede S "W B. shortly he dide li. 472 fe firste ins. A. LI.
473-496 07n. h. 474 to here S. t>aire A. 475 iesus A.

477 constriscente A. /(//'•] om. A. 479 felli.s A. 480 Brouten
S. of most L ins. of] om. L. of S W B. om. T.

108

The Virtues of the Mass.

How they
loved Jesus !

(61)

Poetys seyeu liowe loue hath no law, —

Thyng well expe?-t in these ladyes thre,
Wyche woke anyght,^ rose or the day gan daw,

Of wonianliede and. femynyte, ^ ms. unigiit. 484

Desyre and loue, and womanly pyte,
Causyd theym theyr iorney for to take,

Erly on morow, the sepulture for to se,
Of Cryst leA'U almyghty tliey dyd~ wake. 488

Let lis love
Him too, and
rise early,
as they did,
to hear our
mass.

(62)
Lat vs as trewly, in our inward intent,

As erly ryse, masse for to here,
Wz't/i suche deuocion as these ladyes wejit,

In parfyte charyte, and ^v^ih loue as entyere, 492

To seke theyr lorde and theyr spouse dere ;
Take we ensampyll, lat vs do no lasse,

By morall menyng folow we the manere,
Erly eche morow for to here masse. 496

Ite, niiKsa
est.

The people
dejiart,

Ite missa est

(63)

Aftyr the prest seyth Ite missa est,

Graunteth the pepyll a maner of lycence

To depart, and he toward, the Est

Lyfteth vp hj's handes, w/tTi. dew reuerence,
Praying for all that were in p;-esence,

To haue theyr part of all that he hath do,
Takyng theyr leue, deuoutly wit/i sylence,

The ende abydyng of In Principio.

500

504

481 that love LW. how that lufe A. haues A. 483 alnyght
S W B L. alle A. and rose iws. A W. .ea\;e o/h. S AV B L. gane
dawe A. 484 wommahode sic L. feniynygiiyte L. and of

ins. W. 485 and] am. W. of L A B. 487 on the ins. L.

in the W. of ]>t A. for] om. L. 488 alnyght B S W L. alle
Jie nyght A. dede they S. 489 as] all B. om. A. so L. 4P0
also hertly A. aryse B. 491 siche A. swiche S. snche L.

als A. the L. 492 In] With W. love and charyte L. icith^

inn. W. as] om. A. 494 we] om. W. 495 mortall W. 496
here a ins. L. 500 diew h. dewe L. due S. denoute W.

502 paste (?) S (indistinct), he] om. S. 504 Thende L. To ]>e

ins. A. of ]>t ins. A.

The Virtues of the Mass.

109

(64)
Partyiig Irdm masse, wiiJi pose ami vnyLe,

Fyguryed was whyloiu in Exodo,
AVhen cliyldren of Israel, fer from tlieyr coulre,

Retornyd agayne, niawgre kyng Pharao, 508

The Rede See partyd was on two,
A pronostyk in theyr pylgromago,

Tliat Cryst<?6" masse shuld vs delyuer also
From Sathanas myglit, owt of all seruage. 512

(65)
And as clerke*- in bookes eke reherse, [leaf 212, back]

In conclusion accordyng all in oon,
Howe that Cyrus, whylom kyng of Perse,

To prysoners, that were in Ikbilon, 516

Gafe lycence and fredom for to gon,
lerusalem agayne to edyfy,

Eyght as the fredome of vs eue?-ychon,
Renewyd Avas by co?)«myng of INIessy. 520

(66)
As in desert the chyldren of Israeli,

Fedde with manna, abode there fourty yere,
"We, Crystes pepyll, folowyng the gospell,

Lat vs by grace be of ryght good chere, 524

Oure gostly food at mete and at sopere,
Thorowgh his desert, all peryles for to passe.

Best refeccion to glade all our chere
Ys euery morow erly to here masse. 528

(67)
Lord, of thy grace graunt whyle we byn here.
In this desert of worldly wyldyrnesse,

506 exedo L. exodio A. 507 Whan the ins. W. fer om. A.
508 mawgree of ))e ins. A. 509 departed W. 510 tlieyr'^ thys L.
the h. 511 so W. 513 eeke yii L. elrlom.h k. also in A.
)>eire bokes A. this reherse li. 514 Concludyug W. 517 goo
home A. 518 for to ins. L. edefye L. 519 as} so B SAV.

as L h. 520 renewye S sic. Renievyd B. niessie S L. messye
li A. 521 the] om. B S W L h A. 523 in folowynge ins. A.

524 i"s] om. W. 525 at (2nd)] om. W. eke L. 526 pcryll W.
his] this S B W L li A. 527 resureccioune A. alle vs yn feree L.
gladen S. 528 morne A. a masse 15 S. erJy] for A. 529 Marg.
as in T S H A. 529 grauntc] om. W. that we ins. W.

aa tlie
chiMrei) of

Isnii'l
doiiarteil,
under God,

tliroiiK'li the
lied Sea,

and from
Babylon.

Let us, like
them,
partake of
manna.

conclusio

compila-

toris.

110

The Virtues of the Mass.

Lord, gratit
us to liear
mass aright.

WiV; lyfe accordyr.g our masse so to here,

That pease and charyte, compassion and clennesse, 532
May so contynew and shyne in theyr bryghtnesse,

With fulsom hand of almesdede,

To enspyre the ryche to part theyr rychesse,

With poore folk in heuyn slialbe tlieir mede. 536

The hearing
of mass IS
of great
value.

Helps the

sick,

pilgrims.

(68)
The vertu of heryng of the masse aft3rr the opynyon
of Seynt Bernard. [Lydgate : Stow.]

Heryng of masse yeueth a gret rewarde,

Gostly helthe agayns all sykenesse,
And medycyne, recorde of Seynt Bernarde,

To pepyll impotent, that playue for febylnesse, 540

To feynt refresshyng in tlieyr werynesse,
And vnto folk that goon on pylgremage,

Hit maketh hem strong, set hem in sekyrnesse,
Gracyously to explete theyr vyage. 544

gives
patience,
strengthens
the labourer.

makes
niercliants'
bargains
lucky,

(G9)
The myghty man, hit maketh hyni more strong,

Recomforteth the seke in hys langour,
Yeueth pacience to they»i that suffren wrong,

The laborer bereth vp in hys labour, 548

To thowghtfuU pepyll refresshyng and socour,
Gracyous counseyll to folk dysconsolate,

Susteyneth the febyle, conueyeth the conquerour,
Maketh marchauntes theyr feyres fortunate. 552

531 so] for B W S L h.

533 tJieyr] oiire P.. 534 With the

feythul and of h. haiulj-s deelyiige almysdede L. almouse A. ful-

.w;/if] holsonie W. of] and also W.

535 to] of S. to parte of

W. 536 for in ms. A. shalbe] to have ].. \>cr fee schall i-ns. A.
Amen, rnarg. S. 537 Margin : Opinio Bernarda de meritis mi.sse
S. the opynyon of] am. h. Nota quanta sit virtus audire niissam
.secu?idur»i Bernard?67?i A. 537 of] a S B. 538 hcUhe] yieldith
H. dystre.ese L. 539 by record ins. H. 540 innocent W.

syknesse L S. wykness W. 541 feynt] faythe W. theyr] am. W,

542 to W. to odur folk L. on folke h. folkes A.
om. h. and sette h. sykenesse W. 545-55
A. mee strong sic A. hyyn] om. "W. 547
548 it berith iyis. "\V A . laborer] labour L.

343 Hit]

I mn. L. man] name

Yeueth] Therwith A.

549 'To] The LA.

reioysyng B. 550 folke to counsaill ins. B. dissolat {margin :
.s. disconsolate) A. 551 fMe] peple A. 552 of merchanntes
S W. in marchandise A. tlie merchauntes B. the feyre h. ))aire
fare A.

The Virtues of the Mass.

Ill

(70)
i\raketli nuMi more nieke to tlieyr correccion, iieKf2i3i

In gostly luue fenient and ainerous,
Ifyt yeuetli swetnesse and delectacion

To all tlie pepyll, tliat byn gracyous, 556

Trewe obedyence to folke relygyous,
Grace at departyng, seyth Seynt lohn to borow,

Good spede, good happe, in Cyte, towne, & hous,
To all that here deuoutly masse at morow. 560

(71)
Heryng of masse doth passyng gret auayle,

At nede, at myschyef, folk hit doth releue,
Causyd Seynt Nycholas to yeue good counsayle,

And Seynt lulyau good herburgh at eue, 564

Beholde Seynt Crystofer, noone enemy shall yow greue,
And Seynt Loy your iorney shall presenie,

Horse ne caryage that day shall nat myscheue,
Masse herde aforne, who dotli these seynte^' serue. 568

(72)
Partyng from masse, gynning our iorue,

■ Call Seynt Michael, your pase to fortyfy,
For sodayne haste, and goode prospe/yte,

And for glad tydyng, Seynt Gabryell shall yow guy,
And liaphael, recorde of Thoby, 573

Shalbe your leche and your medycyne,

Masse herde aforne, your hertes doth apply,
Tliese obse/aiauuces to kepe[n] or ye dyne, 576

(73)
Albon for Englond, Seynt Denyse for Fraunce,
Blessyd kyng Edmund for royall goue?-nayle,

makf'K
)'eople
iiieek,

gives good
speed,

causes the

blessing of

the saiiifi,

Nicliolas,

Julian,

Christopher,

Loy,

Michael,

Gabriel,
Raphael,

Albon,
Denis,
Edmund,

.'ioS theyr'] om. h. It makitli W.
and W. 558 ft'] to L. sayse A,

555 the'] {)at S. 557 to]

om. L. & sayth W. 559

hepjte] hanipe B sic. DefeiiLe of all eiiemyes nialycyous W. 560
altho h. heren A. a masse erly L. deuoiitely at ^a morowe A.
deuoutly in the morow, deuoutly] om. S L. 561 of a ins. L.

of] am. A. 562 mysese S. 563 sei/nt] om. h. 564 eveue
LA. 565 To beholde vis. S. and none iiu^. A. enmy h. om.
A. shal the iiis. h. shall hym AV. 566 Cop] om. B. 567

meschveLsw. 568 theyse'L. 569-584 om. B. 569 bygyn-
nynge W h A, hejiynneth sic L. gynnetlie S. thy L A. 570

for to 1715. S. 572 for] om. L. ghuf] good W. gye S. geve L.
573 by record S W L. 576 keye eche day or W. kepen ore

than S. first or A. 578 for] of S. goueruauHce S.

112

The Virtues of the Mass.

Thomas,
Edward,

George,
eacli in his
own favour.

This i3 tlie
mass our
aid.

The day a

man hears
mass,

his steps are
counted of
angels,

sins for-
given.

voyages
prospered,

Thomas of Cauut'^r'bury for liys meke sutfraunce,

At "Westmynster Seynt Edward shall nat fayle, 580
That none enemy shall hurt or preuayle,

But that Seynt George shall make yow froly passe,.
Holde vp your baner in pease and in batayle,

Eche day when ye deuoutly here masse. 584

(74)
Thus ys the masse the si)ere and eke our shylde,

Ourmyghty pauyse, our swerde, and oure defense,
Our myghty castell, our sheltron in the fylde,

Our stre[n]gest bolwerk, agayn all violence, 588

For who that euer al)ydeth w^'t^ reuerence
Tyll In Principio, conclusion of the masse,

Grace shall guyde hym, and conducte hys p?-esencc,
Agayne all hys foon of hygh estate or lasse. 592

[lydgate : Stow.]

Wordys of Seynt Augustyne In fasciculo Mort/s of the
medys of the Masse. [lohn lydgate : Stow.]

(75)
That day a man deuoutly hereth masse, [leaf 213 hacUj

Whyl he ys present he siiall nat wexe[n] olde.
In goyng thedyr, hys steppes more and lasse

Ben of Aungell nombred ami [yjtolde, 596

Hys veniall synnes, rekenyd manyfolde,
Of neglygence and othes that liyn lyglit,

They byn foryeuen, for grace passyth golde,
And all that tyme apeyreth nat hys syght. 600

(76) _
Herying of masse letteth no viage,

As hit hath well be preuyd in certeyne,

579 of] om. W S. Seyn Thomas ins. A. 582 that] om. W S li Q.
iiiake] om. A. frely to W. 584 devoutely here A. here youi-e

LA ins. 585 Thys L. the spere L. eke] om. Bh. also A.

587 sheltron] tent B. 588 grettest S AV B L. 589 who] om. S.
will habide A. with] om. A. ])at reuerbereuce A. 590 the con-
clusyoun W. 591 conduce h. in liis mis. A. 592 hygh] gret
B. 593 C begins here. That man dayly devoutly heryng B.
heryse A. 594 Whills A. ys] hys L. is h. as A. nat] om.

B. wexen S L li. 595 <£•] or C. 596 angeles L. angels

h. aungelys S W. y tolde L. i tolde W. ynombirde A.
600 that] the h. 601 of] a h. leftys A. 602 he] om. h. in]
wele for A.

2'Jii' Virtues of the Mass.

\\:i

Prav'T ^^ masse doth gret avauntago,

With Cryste.s passion, to soulys in tlieyr pcyiie; OOi
Tlie masse also doth other thyng(?.'j tweyne,

To soule and bodj' yeueth consolacion,
Yif he passe that day by deth sodeyne,

Stant for hosyll and hys co??muinyou. 608

(")
Of mete and drynke receuyd at the table,

^[asse hei'de aforn ^ar more^ confortatyf, -' ms. at morow
In dowbyll wyse, playnly, thys ys no fable,

To encrese the vertew callyd vegetatyfe, 6 1 2

By resemblaunce, so as the tre of lyfe
Shiild haue preseruyd Adam from sekenesse,

So the sacrament agayne all gostly stryfe,
Eeneweth a man that day he hereth masse. G16

(78)
So as Manna was a Eestauratyf

To chyldren of Israel, gayne bodyly trauayle,
Lat vs well trust in our ymagynatyf,

How moche the syght may helpe[n] and preuayle, 620

Of the sacrament impossybyll for to fayle
Vs to susteyne in bodyly gladnesse,

Geyne goostly foon, more then may plate or niayle,
Namely that day when we here masse. 624

(79)
So as the hede hath a precellence

Aboue all niembres in comparyson,
So Cryst lesn of hys magnyfycence,

Thorow his dyuyne dysposycion, • 628

Set the masse, for short conclusion,
at the A

grettest S A h L W.

«;rettyth C.

603 pereyre sic S.
605 other] om. L. 606 it doth ins. h. 607 be the'dethe

ins. S. 608 Yt staut ins. S L. Stondyth B. his hosyll S.

Hyt stondyth for housyll schryfte & convivioun sic C. 610 arne
more S. liarinowr 15. be more W. at morow T. maketh mete
A. 612 </(''] om. S B. The to encrene of vertu h. regrecyatyf L.
calle S. 615 so S M W L h A. To T. strufe] lyiff S. agavne A.
616 Re\-yuth sic B. he] that h. a masse iiis. S. 617 a] om. W.
618 To J)cA ins. agaynes A. 619 trust wele h. well] om.

621 for] om. L.

A C. oure] this A. 620 helpen S h A L.

623 Agaynes alle ins. A. may] om. L h.
ins. \\. that] thy L. whenne that im<;. A
633-40 iiUerchaiujid W . 625 thy hede L S.

excellence A. 627 So] To S. his] om. W.
LYDGATE, M. P.

624 we deiioutly
Lines 625-32,
a] om. S. pre-

if he (lies,
it stands Tor
comuiujiioii.

It increases
tlie virtue
of food.

like
niaiiiiii.

114

The Virhves of the Mass.

The mass
is above all.

It heljis
sailors,

poor peojile,

women in

travail,

helfs souls
out of
purgatory.

Tlien let
all lie;ir
mass eaily.

On Sherethursday, tlie gospell ye may rede,

For a prerogatyf aboue eche orysoii,
To helpe all tlio that call hym in tlieyre nede. G32

(80)
Masse herde aforne, the wynde ys nut contrary, [ieaf*2i4)

To Maryne/'es that day in theyr saylyng,
And all thyng that ys necessary,

God sent to porayle that day to tlieyr fedyng ; 636

Women also that goon on trauaylyng,
Folk well expert haue therof founde a prefe,

That herde masse in the mornyng,
Were delyue?yd and felt no myschefe. 640

(81)
Som folk affernie in theyr opynyon,

Seyen that they haue rad hit in story,
A Masse ys egall to Crystes passion,

To helpe sowlys out of purgatory, 644

Masse to all ve/'tu, grettest directory,
Whyche conveyeth and ledeth a man to grace,

Heryug masse, enprynte in thy memory.
To knele or stonde and chazmge nat thy place. 648

(82)
All [these] thynges peysyd in balance,

Lat folk a niorow erly vp aryse,
Furst of entent, to God to do plesaunce,

In theyr hertes wysely aduertyse, 652

No tyme ys lost duryng that seniyce,
For whyche lat noman playnly be in dowLe,

But that God. shall dyspose in any wyse

To encrese all thyng that they gone abowte. 656

630 Fc] he S. 631 other ovysous B. nboae] aboiite W. 632
calleth hym L. tho] om. A. to hyni calle at W. 634 marioiiers
S sic. 635 thyijges L. thyng that day that is iiis. W. 636
preuayle W. people C. ia] to A. 637 yn ther L. 638 Folk]
Full S. han >er of ypreve A. 639 have herd ins. W L. morow-
enyng L A. 640 "Were well ins. S. Weren faire ins. A. felt] had
L. no woo nor h. 642 And seye W. And seide ins. A. they]

om. h. 644 om. A. out of] in C. 646 byddethe S. to] by

h A W C. bryngeth a man to grace L. 647 thy] the C. 649 A
inserts a line at this point : For the helthe of this saule eternall.
649 thynges] om. A. alle these ins. S L W B. in thi ins. A. 650
at ]>e moine A. on the morowe AV. 651 And firste of hole ins.

A. to do to go IL. to{2nd)]o7H.h A. 652 wysely to nis. S L.

654 }>e withe A. pleynly om. L. 655 thai] om. W.

The Virhics of the Mem. 115

LciiiKiy.
Go lytyll tix'tyso, requyre llie I'ulk of gnicu Go, little

That sliall of the luuie iiispeccion,
Be iiat to bolJe to appere in no place

Of malapertnesse nor p/vsunipcion, 6G0

Tliyne Auctor sympyll, thougli of aireccion
He luenetli well, pray hem that sliall tlie rede

W/t/i goodly support to do correccion under

correction.

Ihee to refonne where as they se nede. 664

Explicit [Lydgate : Stow.]

G;')" and require ins. L. Go thou li. of folke grace A. 658
have of tlie L. 659 Bot be A. apercii S. to appere in ?to] in
no nianer B. 660 ne of li. 662 may well B. <o] om. h.

664 Explicet quod Lidegate Amen L. Quod lohrtunes Lydgate
vnder correccioun S. S adds: Adde lesus tine quocieus tu dixeris
tue / Bis triginta dies venie tiet til)i nierces.

leaf 214, back. T adds the following spurious lines :
Seyut Austyne noteth how the Angcll of heuen dcclaryd to hym
the Merytes of the Masse that men Receue in Heryng deuoutly
A ilasse.

Now lieiken eu«ry man bothe more and lesse

"What mede ye receue to here your messe

As that telleth vs the doctor seynt Austyne

For these byn hys wordys and nat myne

For tliat day man hereth masse with good entent

And worshyjipeth the holy sacraTucnt

He shall receue thys mede for hys trauayle

Yef lie be dene of lyfe he may nat fayle

Of lyght speche that day and sweryng

And of other synnes owt foiyetyng

The sacrament what day that lie see

For defawte of mete ne perysslieth nat he

In that day leseth he no bodyly syght

By vertu of the sacramentes myght

Ne that day shall he dy soden dethe

The sacrament to se in forme of brede

And yef he dy nat hoselyd the same day

That holy S3-ght hym howseleth wit/iout nay

And all the whyle man hereth hys masse

He ageth nat Austvn bereth wytnesse

And all the weyes and {)aces odde or euen

They byn nombryd aboue in heuen

For whyche trauayle man reccneth mede

In the blysse of lieuen w/t^outen drede

Thys meryte eche wyght that lyiietli clene

Hath that hereth the masse bydene

Thus seyde the Angell to Austyne here lyuyng

Of the sacrament and the Masse seying

Now Iciu lord for thy myght

Thow graunt vs grace to litre masse aryght.

Explicit.

1 2

116

On Verhum Caro Factum Est.

When you
kiss stone
or wood,
earth or iron
at cliurcli,

think wliat

tliey

betoken.

III. On Kissing at Verbum Caro Factum Est.

1 A Lytyll compilacion declaryng when men kysse in
Churche stoone or erthe Tymbre or Iron. What
they shuld remembre therby. [Jolni Lydgate
Verbum Caro factum est : Stow.^ [iie:if2i5]

(1)
vJJ deuout pepyll whyche kepe an ob?e7-uaunce

Lowly in churche to kysse stooue or tre,
Erthe or yron, haue in rememhraunce

What they do nieane, take the moralyte ; 4

Erthe tokeneth furst the pure humanyte
Of Cryst le^'u, the stone hys sepulture,

The spere of Steele, the sharpe navies thre.
Made large his woundes, rememhryd in scripture. 8

(2)
Thynke on the crosse, made of four dyui??-se trees.

As Clerkes seyn, of Cedyr and Cypresse,
To hygh estates and io\kes of lowe degrees

Cryst brought in pease, the Olyfe bereth wytnesse ; 12

The Cedre aloft, contemplatyf swetnesse,

MS3. Trinity College Cam. R. 3. 21, leaf 215 == T ; Harley 2255,
leaf 113, back, to 11 = H ; Laud 683, leaves 87, back, to 88 = L ;
Jesus Coll. Cam. 56, leaves 72, back, to 73 = J ; Ashmole 59,
leaves 56, back, to 57 = A ; Balliol Coll. 354, leaf 155 = B ; Caius
Coll. Cam. 174, p. 455 = C ; Harley 2251, leaf 9 = L.

Tille: Verbum Caro Factum Est, H . . . Ami jjaue shoule yee
rede nexst adevoute seyiuge of verbu/;i caro factum est A, Iiicipit
de osculo sancio ad verbuju caro factu?/i est J, Here begynneth a
tretis of the knelyng and kyssyng maad at verbu?«. caro factum est
L, o]n. C. 1 (^] B C, Ye H J L K A h. an] on J H. one h. om. A.
h'pr] haue A. 2 Lowly] T B C. meekly H h L A L. 3 hath

iu J L A H h C. kepet^e ];e A. 4 What tliat it mene])e takel)e

A. do]om. \ii h. doth meane and li. 5 As in T]\iC, . . . ys
cleer tokne of the humanyte LJ HhH ))eor))e. 6 ))e stones

signefye his A. his] the L J H h. 8 Causide his fyve wouudis

li H J L. Token, v. woundes A. And his large woundes B as in
T, C. 9 Cryste crosse is made of A. of] in B. 10 and of

H.T. sayne sedre and of h J. of]om.A. 11 .(47u/] To H h RL A,
and C B. 13-16 read in H h L J A namly whan vertu con-

serveth his grennesse / looke on thes sigiies and haue them in
memory / how crystys passioun was groundyd on meeknesse / and
how the palme ffygured his victorye.

The Fifftcnc Toknys aforn the Doom.

117

Graue all these sygnes depe in thy memory,

Aud liowe hys passion was groundyd on nu-kenesse,
Geyne cruell Sathan to make vs haue vyctory. IG

(3)
These .iiij. fygures combynyd in-to oon,

Put in thy mynde for a memoryall,
Erthe and vron, iiij trees and the stoon,

To make vs fro where as we were thrall, 20

l^eholde the baner vyctoryous and royall,
Crystes crosse as standard of most pryse,

Thynke howe the thyef for mercy dyd call,
Tawght by thys tre the way to paradyse.

Your \\Qxies ey lyft vp in-to the Est,

All yowre body and knees boweth downo,

When the preest seyth Verbu;/( caro factu;u est,
W/t/t all your inward contemplacion,
Your mowthe furst crossyd of hygh deuocion,

Kyssyng the tokenes rehersyd here toforn,
And euer haue mynde on Crystes passion

AVliyche for your sake weryd a crowne of thorne.

Explicit [John Lydgate : Stoic.']

24

28

32

Kiss the
tokens, and
remember
Christ's
passion.

18. THE FIFFTENE TOKXYS AEOEX THE

DOOM.i

[From MS. B. M. Harley 2255, leaves 117-118, back.]

(V)
As the doctour Sanctus leronimus, V- leaf iiri

AVhich that knew by inspiraciouu

14 and] om. A. 15 Passyoii of Crvst A. hijs] om. A. on] in A.
14 depe A. B and C follow T except 132 iasr. I)ee Ceedre B.
16 tig:\irf)>e well B. 15 on] in C B. 16 So cruell ageynst B.
to make his B. Both versions arc probably genuine, the T version
earlier. 17 combylde in til A. 18 Put sette hHJLA. in

on h. a] gode A. 20 cw] >at A. 22 as] a H h L. ^e A.

as a C. 23 did ))ere ins. A. hoic] wher B. 24 thys] the L.

25 ye h. eye J, etc. 26 And al A h. with heitis kneelinge

dovne A. ' 27 The] om. A. 29 of] with Ch. 30 tokene h.
31 on] of J HA. 32 ijour] tliy L H h R A. cure sakys dyd

were C. n] ))e A. Explicit L H. Ex)ilicit expliciat kidere scriptor
eat C, Now eonde^e here \>e dyte of verbin/i caro factuwi est A.

According
to St.
Jerome,

118

The Fifftcne Tohiys aforn ike Doom.

The se*
shall riae,

and descend.

Animals
shall fear.

Fiftene tokiiys, the scni)ture telletli ]f:us,

And therof luakith a declaracioim, 4

Afor the lugement; and for concliisioim
I The First day, the se shal ryse on heighte

Above al liillys, to ther iiispecciou/j,
Fourty kybitys in euery niannys sight. 8

(2)
II The Secunde day, the se slial ek discende
Tliat vnnethe it shal nat wel be seyn.
Wilde beestys vpon the flood Rorende,
III The thridde day herd on mouwt and pleyn, 12

Foul, beeste and fyssh, shal tremble in certeyn,
Compleynyng in ther hydous moone

Yp the skyes ; tliis noyse nat maad in veyn,
For what thev mene, God shal knowe alloone. 16

The sea
shall burn.

Birds shall
fly away.

Fiery floods
shall

ovei-whelin
castles and
towers.

Stones .shall
burst

asunder.

(3)
IV The Fourthe day, the watir and the see

Shal brenne as ony flawme light.
V The fiflfte day, herbe, foul and tree ■

Shal Ije bloody dewed to tlie sight ; 20

And alle foulys for feer shal take ther flight,
As they were echoon of assent

Nouthir Ete nor drynke, but Icse strength & niyght,
Oonly for feer of Cristes lugement. 24

VI The Sixte day, howsys Oon and alle, [leaf ii7, back]

Grete Castellys, tours maad of lym and stoon

Playn with the Erthe to grouwde shal douw falle.

Fyry floodys, and watrys euerychoon, 28

Erennyng as Coolys witJi flawmys ovir goon.

Sparyng no thyng, tyl al be wast and spent
This Firy flood shal ovir sprede anoon.

And Eeche in heyghte face of the firmament. 32

VII Tlie Vij*' day, stoonys Oon and alle

Alle they to-gidre shal mete sodeynly
On foure pavtyes shal assondir falle.

The Fifflcnc Tohiys nforn the Doom. 11!)

And ill tlier hurtlyiig noyse dredfuNy. 36

Ami no man sliul knowe Upyaly
Wliat al tliyiig inonyth, the liyd previte,

Nor enpowne the toknys secrely,
But God alloouc, in his liili niaieste. 40

(6)
VIII Tlie'Viij" tokne in Oidre ye t^hal haue,

Folwyng in soth as ye shal vndirstonde,
Ther shal been so gret an erthe-quave ^iXiLke.

That man iior beeste on ther feet shal stonde. 44

IX Tlie ny[n]the day, pleynly as is the stronde,

Shal hyh mou?«teyns tourne in-to poudir smal, shainm'""

As men shal seen, bothe fre and bonde, levelled.

I'othe hyl and dale of mesour so Egal. 48

(■)
X The tenthe day, from kavernys & ther kavys [leaf iis]

Men shal come out, lyk folk that kan no good,
And renne abrood lyk drou?«ke men \at Ravys,

Or as they weren frentyk, outhir wood, 52 ^^''^J^j^^J'*"

Uedly pale, and devoyde of blood ;
Nat speke a woord Don vnto anothir,

As witles peple of resouw and of mood,
Xo queyntaa??ce maad, brothir vnto brothir. 5G

(8)
XI The xj* signe. pleynly to devise,
As it is lieniembrid in scripture,
Ded boonys that day shal arysc, sh^i dae"

And grisly stonde on ther sepulture, 60

And shewyn outward a dredful foul figure ;
So to stonde al day, wiih boonys blak and donne ;

Of doom abyde the dredful aventure,
Tyl goyng doun of the bloody sonne. 64

(9)
XIL The xij* day, mor dredful than is werre,
Ageyns which shal be no Ilesistence,
Doun from hevene shal fallen eue>y sterre, IimiuaiT

AVith firjV^evene and ferful violence, 68

And beestys alle shal coniyn in presence

from
heaven.

120

Prayers to Ten Saints.

With-Inne a feeld, and of verray drede

Nouthir Ete nor drynke for noon Indigence,
But krye, and howle, and dar liemsilf nat fede.

72

(10)

All living
shall die.

lleaf lis, back]

Heaven and

earth shall

be

c msumed,

and rise all
new.

God save
us all !

XIII The xiij day, men tiiat ben alyve

Shal deye eclion, this is wel certeyn,
And aftir that they shal aryse blyve,

With othir bodyes to come to lyve ageyn,

XIV Tlie xiiij'' day, tlier shal also be seyn
Hevene and erthe, verrayly in dede,

Withoute refute or ony maneer geyn,
Conswme and al into asshes dede.

(11)
The laste [day], accountyd ful fiiftene,

As Seyn Jerom pleynly doth devise,
Hevene and erthe al newe shal be sene,

And alle bodyes shal that day aryse ;

As this doctour setteth the emprise
Of this mateer, God graunte, as I wisse,

Afor this day that al men been so'Avyse
Thorngh Cristes passioun, that they may come to bliss.

£xpUcit.

76

80

84

87

St. Denis.

19. PEAYEES TO TEX SAINTS.

[MS. Bodley Laud, 683, leaves 24, back, to 27.]

1 These holy seyntys folwyng ar preuyledged of our lord
Ihesu that what man or woman praieth to them
rightfully shal haue his bone. [i leaf 24, back]

(1) To Seynt Denys.
Blissed Denys, of Athenys cheef sonne,
Sterre of Grece, cliarboncle of that contre,

MSS. Laud 683, leaves 24, back, to 27 = L ; Harley 2255,
70 to 72, back = H ; Jesus Coll. Camb. 56, leaves 73, back, to
75= J; Sidney Sussex Coll. 37, leaves 7-10 = S. Title: lacks
H S Incipit de decern niartiribus J. Margin : S H J have only the
Latin names Dionisius, Georgius, Cristofovns, Blasiiis, Egidins,
Katerina, Margareta, Martha, Cristina, Barbara. 1 A blissed

ins. S.

Prayers to ' Ten Saints.

1-2 1

Wicli liy piecliYiig to Cristis feitli liast -wonne
The reeiu of rt"rau?ice and Paris tlie Cyte,
Pray for jji scrvaii/jtis and alle ))at trust in tlic,

To Crist le.s-u in tlie lievenly consystorye
And them preserve from al aduersyte

That on })i passiou7i devoutly han memorie.

(2) To Seynt George.
Glorious George, o marter moost enteer,

To saue ))e mayde outraydest the dragoun,
Eemembre on us in tliy devout prayer,

Of Ynglond callyd protectour & patroun

Pray for sixte Herry and al this regioun
Of onr enmyes by grace to lian victorye,

And for alle tho, that Avitli devossioun [ifaf25]
On thy passion haue euery day memorye.

(3) To Seynt Crystofre.
Holy C/m*7offre, Geaunt of Stature,

That bar lesxx over the sterne fflood,
To pray for us do thy besy Cure,

On to that lord moost souereyn & most good,

Wich for mankynde was offred on the rood,
And pray for alle in the hevenly glorie,

To hym that shadde for us his precious blood,
Wich on )jt passiown han eue/-y day memorie.

- (4) To Seynt Blasy.

Bysshop Blasy, among liaue on hem mynde,

That be yi servau7jtis treuly of Entent
Wich by meek suffrau/?ce, in story as I ffynde,

Haddist \i body with Ireu kombes rent,

And euer a-lich stable in thy torment,
Lat thy praier been our dyffensorye,

Tliat mercy passe rigour of lugement,
To alle tho that haue J)i passiou?i in memorie.

Iliat W(in
KniiiCf.

12

8t. George,
ttiat slew
the dragon.

16

St. Chris-
to]itier,
tliat bore
Jesus.

:o

24

St. Blase,

28 that was
rent with
iron conibs.

32

3 The wiche ins. S. 8 haue S J. 13 ))e sext henry J H.

sLde hcrry] vs S. 15 tho] um. J. with] hatli J. 16 euery dan]
euyr S. 19 To] tliat s. 21 The wiclie ins. S. 22 us alle

im. S. 24 o«] of J S. 25 hem on S. 27 The wiche S.

28 comes S, conibs J. 29 eucr eliche J. stahble J. 30 diffeii-
tion J sic. 31 of] and H, in J.

122' Prayers to Ten Saints.

(5) To Seynt Gyle. [leaf ^s, back)
St Giles Holy seynt Gyle, wich in be woodis wylde,

who lived m •' •' "^ ' ' J '

the wild ^nd araons bestis tame and saua^yne,

woods. ° oj )

Myd sliarpe busshes dist ^i paleis bylde

And to kyng Chaiiis, as bokis determyne, 36

Thou gaf comfort, tryacle, and medycyne,

By devout prayer, doon in thyn Oratorie,

Pray for alle tho, that grace vp-on hem shyne,

Wich euery day haue the in memorye. 40

(6)
0 blissed seyutes, that been in noumbre ffyve,

Foure holy marteris, and o confessour,
Alle of assent doth your dever blyve,

To alle your servauntis for to do socour, 44

Them to releve in al worldly labour,
• Dou?j from }je hevenly goldyn reclynatorie,

Your grace distylleth, beth sheld & p?-otectour,
To alle that haue your names in memorie. 48

(■)
Callith to mynde, how that in your lyves

God graunted yow, while that ye were here,
To ech of yow synguler prerogatyves,

Who praieth to yow of hooll herte & enteer, 52

Alle ther requestis graciously to heere, [leaf 26]

Geyn worldly tempestis & troublis transetoryie,

For wich remembreth in your special praier
On alle that haue yow devoutly in memorye. 56

(8) To Seynt Kateryne.

St. Cathe- Q Kateryne, born of the blood Eoyall,

rine, that ^^ . , ■, i i» i i -i i

broke the Of Alysau7jdre thy fader whilom kyng,

Thou brak the wheel, ful dredful & mortal,

Outraiest the tiraurit, philisofres convertyng, GO

The queen wt't/i Porphirie to Cristis feith tornyng,

35 With S, diddist J. 36 as hoJcei determyne] om. J. 3.

thi S. 40 The wiche 8. 41 0] om. J. 43 blithe H.

46 heuen J. 47 be J, both S, 48 that] om. S. 54 troblesse S.
56 alle tho ins. S. 57 blod born S. 58 sum tyme a S.

wheel.

Prayers to Ten Saints.

123

To suffre deth thyn heii dyst doura declyne,

Pray iox \n servauntis to Crist above regnyiig
Glorious pryncesse, luarter and virgyne.

(9) To Seynt Margarete.
With tholigost Margarete supported vfc socoured,

Thy tendre youthe flouryng in beute,
Of a dragown for Crystys feith devoured,

O Mergarete, Example of chastyte,

Wich suffredist deth by greet humylyte,
Stable as a stoon by grace Avich is devyne, [leaf 26, back]

Pray for pi servauntis and alle that love the,
0 blyssed lady, marter and virgyne.

(10) To Seynt :N[artha.
Holv ^Martha to crist Ihesu Ostesse,

And his mynystre to serve hym of his foode,
While Maudeleyn wepte in gret dystresse

For hir synnys ther knelyng for liir goode,

Thou slouh \iQ dragou/j for al his furious woode,
Ded in gret age, buried be ffrontyne.

Pray for \i servauretis to hym \at starrfF on roode,
Wich all )ji lyff were a pure vyrgyne.

64

St.MiiiL-aiBt,
devoured by
a (lra"on

63

St. Martlia,
that slew
tlie dragon

80

(11) To Seynt Cristyne.
Blissed Cristyne, of Cryst, be hym-silf baptysed,

Thou took thy name, in bookis as I reede,
Suffredist peynes most mortally practysed,

Swerd, tlawme, & feer, mylk meynt wit/« dropis veede,

Whan they ])i brestis gan fro \i boody shreede,
And sith lik Crist thou callid art Cristyne, [ieaf27]

Pray for ])i servauntis & help hem in ther nede
Wich for our feith were slayn a pur virgyne. 88

(12) To Seynt Barbara.
Blissed Barbara, baptysed in a welle.

The water halwed, name of J^e Trynyte,

St Ciistina,
tliat
suffered
cruelly.

St. Barliara,
that keeps
off

63 aboue with crist H J S 70 the wich S. 71 louyth S.

71 stratf sic J. 80 were a jjure] perseueredist a H J S. 81

Blissed] oni. H J. self] om. J. 83 most] orn. S. 84 with]

and S. 86 art called J. 87 d:] om. J, in all J. 88 om] S.
90 nam£] om. S.

124 To St. Edmund. ,.

Whos holynesse hath poAver to Eepelle
gunshots. The strook of gonnys, for folk that trust in the, 92

Saue \i servau?^tis from al aduersite,
Pray hym, that sit among the ordris nyne,

For thy sake on vs to haue pyte,
As thou art verray marter and virgyne. 96

Explicit.

20. TO ST. EDMUND.

Here begynnetli a praier to Seynt Edmund.
[MS. Bodley Laud Misc. 6S3, leaves 19-21.]

(1)

St. Edirund, Glorious Edmund ! kyiiii of Estynglond, [Uaf ip]

ruby of j n j o > ' J

martyrs, Callid of marteris charboncle and Euby,

Pray for thy servau7ztis, hold ouer hewi thyn hond,

Wich of hooll herte trusts in the feithfully, 4

Be mene to ^esw of grace and of mercy,
His hevenly deuh ]ilentyvously to scheede
On us echoon, that clepe to hym meekly
Us to refresshe and lielpe in our most neede. 8

(2)
Benygne and bli-ssed, o ge??ime purpurat ! [leaf i9, back]

Witli arwes wou^dyd only for Cristis sake,
With grace endued and goostly fortunat,

A greet empryse thow dyst vndirtake, 12

died sooner Lyst rather deie than Grists feitli forsake,

than forsake

Christ. For love of Jesu, for whom thow dedist bleede,

Pray to the lord, wheir so we slepe or wake,
Us to releue and helpe in our moost neede. 16

91 Whos] was sic S. 92 iii] on S. for} fro H J. 95 For

thi on to vs haue pyte sic S.

MS.«i. Laud 683, leaves 19-21 = L ; Un. Lib. C. Kk. 1. 6, leaves
202-203, back = C ; B. M. Harley 2255, leaves 152-153 = H. 1-24
ovi. H. Title in C, And begyueth an hooly Preyer to Seynt Edmund
kyng martyr & mayden. 4 tryste C. 13 cristus.

To St. Edmund. 125

(3)
0 gracious kyng ! of favour do tliy peyni;

To pray to Jcsii, sothfast God and man,
As he gaf mercy to Mary Maudeleyiie

And rewed of pite vp-on tlie Publican, 20

Moost benyngnely halpe the Samaritlian,
Of Petris wepyng lyk as he took heede,

We pray to ))e, right as we began,
Be mene to Jesu to helpe in our most neeJe. 24

(4)
Our helpe, our socour, our niediatuur most cheff ,

As thou art kyng and prynce of this contre, As timu art

king of this

Pray hym that gaf mercy to the theeff, 27 region,

And nat disdeyned the woman Chananee/ i us. chananee.
Cured hir doubter of mercyi'ul pite,

Of our requestis lielpe that we may speede,
Sith al our trust and feith abit in the,

Be mene to Jesw to helpe in our most neede. 32 i.rayfonm

(5)
Geyn Lucyfer, fader of pompe and pride, [leaf 20]

Pray Crist to sende us dreed w/t/< humylytc ;
Geyn fals rancour, envie to sette a syde.

That we may leue in parfit charite. 36

Geyn tlessbly lustys, clennesse & chastite,
Through al jji frauwchise lat vertu spryng and spreede, tiuoukIi au

That pees be kept in euery Comou7ite, let i.eaoe be

As tlier cheef patrou« diffende he??t in ^er neede. 40

(6)
Kext Crist in erthe thou art our protectour,

Our bolewerk, our bastyle and dyffence
Geyn fals extorcioure our castel & our tour.

Our sheeld, our pavis of most magnyficens, 44

Support to alle that do reuerence
To J)e and tliyne, ageyn al foreyn drede.

Among all marters kyng of gret excellence,
Socour all tho that calle ))e in ther neede. 48

20 Publican] C ; pnpplican L. 22 Petrus C. 28 woman of
ins. H : Chananee C. 40 as] and H ; pataroun s. tfende C.

46 all C. 48 that] to C ; to the ins. C.

kept.

126

To St. Edmund.

love thy
legend best.

52

Tliy nails
and liair are
still kej>t
here with
ihy iloulile
crown,

roses and
lilies.

Thou dost
help thy
servants.

56

GO

Gi

Affter ))i deth of niarteris callid flour,

For newe florissh)'iig ay fro yeer to yeer, —

To me tliy legende is cheef & best Aiictour : —
Thyn hooly uailles and thy royal lieer
Greuh be myracle, as seitb ]?e cronycleer,

Kept clos in gold and siluere, as I reede, —
Cast douw of mercy on us thyn lie-venly cheer

And vp-on alle that calle \q in ther neede.

. ^^^
Which be conserved yit in thyn hooly place, [i^af £0, back]

Wtt7< other relyques, ffor a memoryall,
Frute of this marter growyng vp by grace

With iij prerogatives, ful solempne and roiall,

As kyng and marter a crownet virgynall,
Half of lillies and half of rossis reede ;

0 laureat marter ! stable as a stoon wall,
Piay for all tho that calle the in ther neede.

The reede rosis, with white lillies meynt,

Paradys flours, riht fressh and fair to see,
AV/t/i bloody dropis whan thou Avere al be-spreynt,

These buddis .spredde ther levis of beute, G8

Medeled with lyllyes of virgynyte ;
Of two colours thus parted was ])i weede,

Kyng, mayde, and marter of mercy & pite, .
Pray for alle tho \at calle the in ther neede. 72

(10)
Trust of ])i servauntis fou?jde faithful in serteyu,

I mene of them that sette her trust in the,
Expert of old, and preued on kyng Sweyn,

Maufire the tiraunt in his most cruelte 76

Slain at Geynesboruh, pe cronycle Avho lyst se,
For extort tribute deth was his fynal niede.

Graunte ])i seruauntis pees, reste and liberte,
W/t/i. grace & support and helpe in ]>ei- most neede. 80

51 autour H. 52 thy royal] thyn hooly H. 53 Groweth C.
59 t.his\ the H. 61 crowLed C. 63 «] om. C. 72 the]

to >£ ins. C. 73 (/] on H. trust] Furste C.

To St. Denis. 127

(11)
And uray fur alle lliat koiuc on iiilgyniage Pray for

those lliul:

From euery party of this regioiiii, come

For syk and liool, for old and yong of age,

For folk tliat dwelle here m thyu owne tou7i, 84

Kepe and preserue lieni fro tribuIaciou«
Ageyn all tho \at wolde hem ou[gh]t n)ysbede ;

Wit7< Cristis helpe be ther proteccyoun,
Antl to alle tho tliat calle \)Q in ther neede. 88

(12)
Thy nyli servauntis, goostly mak hem merle,

Pray Crist in spirit for to make hem strong,
Folk of thy town and of tliy monasterye, thytowns-

'' '' *' ' folk and

In riht conserve he???, suffre he??i haue no wrong, 92 tUymonkK,

Pees and good love viiih hem tabyde long,
Brennyng in charite, fervent as the gleede ;

Aue rex gentis shal ech day be ther song
Callyng to fe for lielpe in tlier most neede. 96 ^'"'j^'^J'^''''^

Explicit.

21. A DEVOWTE IXVOCACIOUX TO SAINTE

DEXYS.

[MS. Ashmole 59, leaves 65-66.]

And nowe folowe|) here a devowte Invocacioun made
by Lydegate to Sainte Denys at fe request of
Charlies )?e Frenshe kynge to let it beo translated
oute of Frenshe in-to Englisshe.

(1)
0 ))ow chosen of God protectour of flfraunce, Denis, pro-

Y>o\\' rich chest rubye of })eire felicitee, France,

Welle of al ])eire welfare, lloure of felicitance,

Sovereine of al ])eire prosparite 4

Jjowe blessed Denys ! remembre of grace, and se

86 ought] HC ; out L. 91 of [2) in H. Colophon: "Explicit
quo]) lydgate" H, "Here endutli >is holy preyere of Seynt
Edinnnde the whych D. I. lydgate made" C.

3 flonrc] MS. fuure. 4 al ins. at end of line, MS.

1.28

To St. Denis.

preserve us
from our

Give us

virtues for
vices.

Iiisi'ire us
with faitli,
liope, and
chanty.

Ijet us not
trust iu
false
Fortune,
but in
Christ.

How Cryste Ihesu graunte])e of love entiere

To alle jjat for socour vuto )jee calle
At Jieire requeste to here wele py jireyer. 8

(•2)
Resceyve vs goostly on-to )jy governaunce,

Geyne goostely enmys graunt vs libertee,
In worldely troble defende vs fro meschau??ce

Fronie alle oure fomen make vs to goo free, 12

And vs preserve from all adversitee,
And with ])ine holy oven feyre and cleere

Caste dovne jjy looke, of mercy and pite
Benignely no we, taccepte oure preyer. 16

(3)
From vicious lyff sette vs in assuraunce ; [leaf or,, back]

Ageinst pryde graunte vs humilite ;
Geinst coveityse, vertuous governaunce ;

Geinst Lecherie, clennesse and chastitee ; 20

Geinst wrathe and yre, stedfast vnytee ;
}3assaute of feondes and infernal daunger

Make vs to venqwysse, oute of py powestee,
Enclyne Jjyne eeris vnto fy preyer. 24

And of fy mercy and mightyful haboundaunce

Or we passe, graunte oportunyte
Of schrifft, of howsell, contryte repentaunce,

And with jje vertues fiat beon in noumbre thre, 28

Called of clerkis feyth, hope, and charite,
To beo enspirod whilest we beon here,

By grace cleyminge in heven to haue a see
Thorughe fy requeste and mercyful preyer. " 32

Graunte vs in vertu witli longe pe)•seuera?^ce

Reystreyne oure hertis frome worldely vanite.
And souft're vs to haue none attendance

Ay in fals fortunes mutabilite, 3G

But to fiat lord J)at dyed vi:)pon a tree
0 help Saint Denys ! nowe in this matere,

Vnder ])y winge ])at we may surly flee,
To cleyme his mercye by fie meene of ))y preyer. 40

11 troUe] MS. enemye. 33 MS. rep. v.s.

To St. Denis. 120

(6)
111 l)ee Saint Denvs, is holly oure aftiaunce, Wotni.st

' . y J > j,,,.g ^v holly

Oure hei'tly socoiir, oure souereyne suyrtee,
Fully ooucludinge and knitting in substaunce,

For in Jjy grace may beo no scarcitee, 41

"Wliane ever we calle to )?y benignyte,
Til vs ]>)• men ])y mercy let appeere, [leafoo]

In cure moste treyte dredfuU prospe?*itec
Prey til oure lord taccepte oure preyer. 48

Whan deth vs manassethe with his launce, Be with us

at death.

Beo present J)ere for to sustene ))e launce
Mercy to peyse geinst oure inyquitee ;

But or I'owe luge, procede of equytee 52

For jiere is none so sure purveyaunce

Whane we offende thorughe Hesshly freelte,
In goostly langour to fynden allegeauwce,

Jjane at l^y wille of mercyful plente 56

To wesshe ])e tilthe of oure enfirmytee
Nowe mercyful Denys, of mercy we requere

In every mescheef accepte oure preyer. 59

(9)
0 lodesterre of Parvs be Citee o star of

'' '^ . Paris,

Light of Athenes Lanterne of jjeire creaunce
Summe of al grace tenlumyne ))eire cuntre

0 Philosophre of most autoritee 63

0 blessed Denys ! lyfft vp ])ine hevenly chere

To fore the heghe devyne magestee, toa^ccept

And preye fe lord taccepte oure preyer. 66 """"Pra-v^'-

50 J)e launce proh. should be balaunce. A line is missing after
49, and three after 52. 57 oure] MS. Jyne.

MS. Ashmole 59 (written after 1447, in Shirley's old age) con-
tains the unique copy of this poem. The old scribe, as is sliown by
the divisions of his stanzas as indicated by the mark ''. in the
margin, has gone astray in the last stanzas. These marks occur
opposite lines 9, 17, 25, 32, 40, 46, 53, 60.

LYDGATE, M. P. K

130

A Fraisc of St. Anne.

Whoever
loves tlie
daufjchter
must, of
courtesy,
love the
mother, too.

Here,
therefore,
follows a
prayer to
St. Anne,
mother of
Our Laily.

22. A PEAISE OF ST. ANNE.
[MS. B. M. Harley 2251, leaf 76, back.]

(1)

Jle that intendeth in his herte to seke

To love the doughte?* of any womman fre,

He must, of gentilles, love the moder eke,

In honest "wyse, by fygure as ye may see ; 4

Kiglit as for the fruyte honoured is tlie tre,

So he that to this lady Reu^/'ence list to do,

Hir moder, Seynt Anne, worship he also.

(2)

And to that ende, lo, liere a devoute oreyson, 8

In honour of hir oonly, my friendes deere,

That whilom A holy man in his contemplacioun,
Had in Remembraunce, with all his hert entier.
By whiche,at his dyeng, he saugh hem both appere, 12

This blessid mayden and hir moder fre,

Delyveryng his soule from all aduersite.

MSS. B. M. Harley 2251, leaf 766 ; Trin. Coll. Cam. K. 3. 21,
leaf 169 back. The two versions arc ideyitical.

23. AN INVOCATION TO SEYNTE ANNE.

O Lord,

insjiire my
pen to
praLse St.
Anne.

[MS. B. M. Adds. 16165, leaf 247, and back.]
Invocacioun by Lydegate to Saynte Anne.

(1)
\)o\\ first moeuer, fat causest euery tiling 1

To haue his keping thoroughe fy prouydence.
And rightfully art called lord and kyng,

Having ]5e lordship of eche Intelligence, 4

Destille adoune jjy gracious Influence

In-to my brest ]jat dulle is for rudenesse,

Of holy Anne some goodly word expresse. 7

MSS. B. M. Adds. 16165 = M ; Bodley Ashmole 59, leaves 44,
back, to 45, back = A. Title A : Here begynne))e a devoute luvo-
cacion to saiiite Anne by J)at solempne religious Lidegate made at
the commaundement of my Ladie Anne Countasse of Stafford.
\ eucry^aX. 2 >2/] A. om.lsi. 6 forduUcd of] A. ))at dulle is
forM. 7 In all my brest of gode holly sainte Anne exp?-csse A.

To St. Anne.

131

18

21

(2)

ffor but ))0U help, my wit is to barcyne,
My mynde derk and dul is my memorye

But yif J^ey beo emoysted with Jje reyne

J?at doun descenden frome ]>y see of glorye 11

Whos golde dewe dropes fro fy reclynatorye

In-to my soule, awhaped and amaate,

Shed from abouen fy licour aureate, 14

(3)
I mene J)e grace of J)e culuer whight

)jat with his plente dope euery thing enspyre
Haboundantly, wher fat him list talight

In herties colde to setten hem a-fyre.

To brenne in lone, and feruently desyre ;
With which flamme myn herb aquyche and reyse,
!Marye moder ! Sainte Anne for to preyse,

)5at was descendid of pe stocke and roote

Of olde lessye by ordre lynyallye,
)?e seed of Dauid, whos braunches feyre and swoote

Een so comended of noble Ysaye 25

0 holy Anne ! haue pytee and mercy,
)3oughe in py laude I can no bette endyte,
And helpe me forthe of pat I thank to wryte. 28

(•5)
A ! holy Anne, pat bare pe feyre fruyt

Of al oure helpe and oure saluacioun,
)jat art chief help, comfort and refuyt.

Unto mankynde sheelde and proteccioun, 32

Now thorugh py preyer and medyacioun
pat wliylome were of Joachim pe wyfF,
Holy to stynten al oure werre and stryffe. 35

Let the
spirit like a
dove

descend on
me.

Holy Anne,
help us.

8 my witte be holpe is so bareyiie A. 9 duT] loste, my clere.

ins. A. 10 emoysted] raseyed M. 16 plciUe] largesse, cucry]
al. 18 a WitA] >y. 20 fiamme myn hert] heete A. 22 \>at\
whiches. of bo]>e. 26 0] A, mercy and pyte M A. pitj-e A.

28 tendyte A. 30 oure] A. orn. M. 33 medytacyoun A.

35 Holy] fully, stynten] stynt MA. In this stanza Z2-33 folloic
34 in A.

K 2

132

To St. Anne.

From thy
breast
sprang the
star,

the

hallowed

Ark,

the Virgin.

Appease

God's

wrath.

O blissful
sugar-cane,

39

42

46

49

(6)
Be J50W oure socour to saue us and defende

In euery sorowe, bojje neglie and ferre ;
For to Jjy grace we holy us comende,

Out of Avhos brest sprange ]?e lode-sterre

}3at is oure guyde in euery wo and werre,
Wliane fiat hir beniys to us appeere and shyne
)5er may no meschief in oure hertis niyne.

(7)
Bennigne matronne, 0 blisful moder Anna !

}3at Brouglitest ferjje with-Inne )jy-self ful cloos
Jje halowed ark ])at bare \)Q holy manna,

Foode of mankynde wherthorugh oure helpe aroos

Whiche holy prestes haue in hir depoos
To given it swiche, in ))is desert and nede,
As shul be saued for hir eternal mede,

(8)
For fou by grace were predestynate

Ful longe aforne by prescyence devyne,
To here the virgyne pure, Invyolate, .

)5at ahoulde be tryacle and medecyne

Ageyne pe cruwel venyme serpentyne,
}3at was out shad tenspyren with mankynde,
Whane Adam ate Jjapple as we fynde.

(9)
Nowe sith fat God haj^e gyve fe excellence

Aboue alle wymmen moder for to be
Of hir J)at shoulde remedye oure offence,

Haue on us wrecches mercy and pitee

So pat we may hope fynde hit and esee
)3at J)OW fe wrathe of Jje luge qweeme,
To graunt us mercy to fore er pat he deeme ;

(10)
So pat we may fully in pe aflfye ;

Thoroughe pin help, 0 blissful sugre-canne !

38 holly we A. 42 hertis] A. liert M. 43 Now benigne

ins. A. Anna] Anne MA. 45 >e (1) J>at. manna] manne

M A. 49 hir] >eire A. his M. 60 on] of. 63 he vs

ins. A.

53

56

60

63

To St. Michadl and St. GauhricU.

133

We may aboue in );e heuenly lerarcliy,

Where fat fese Aungels be wont to singe Osanne, 67
To thanke and preyse, and worship as we cane

)je blisful lambe, fat for oure aldre goode

Thorouglie his meeknesse starff upoun fe Eoode. 70

(11)
To slee fe serpent }?at was so venymous

He faught for synners riglit as a chanipyoun,

And in liis sight, as moost victoryous,

He killed deathe, of luda fis leoun, 74

To whome fowe praye fat for his passyoun

He graunt us mercy in f is exyle heore

Sith he us bought with his blood so deer. 77

help lis to
sing above,

the praises
of the
Lamb.

24. A PEAYERE TO SEYXT MICHAELL.

[MS. Laud 683, leaf 24.]

0 Myghell ! by grace of Cryst lesu

Callid among angelis f e hevenly champiouw,

Be a p?-erogatyf synguler of vertu,

Held a batayll, venquysshed the dragoun,
Be thow our sheld and our proteccyoun,

In euery myschef of daungeris iuf email,
Dyffende our party, p/-esente our orisoun,

Vp to the lord that gouemeth all.

Michael,
present our
prayer.

8

25. A PEAYEEE TO GAUBEIELL.

[Ibid.]
Blissed Gabriel, wich broughtest first tydyng

On-to ilarye, knelyng on thy kne,
Touchyng f e berthe of that hevenly kyng,

Of his conseyvyng and liis natyvyte,

And how Maria, in pure virgynyte
Sholde here a child, to socoure us alle,

For wich, 0 Gabriel : geyn all aduersyte
Be thow our helpe whan we to the calle.
71 fe] t)at A. 72 synners] synne M. 76 ])is] A. his M.

Gabriel,
be our help

8

134

Sts. Katherinc, Margaret, and Mary Magdalene.

Virgins and
martyrs,
help i;s.

26. TO ST. KATHEEINE, ST. MARGAEET, AND
ST. MAEY MAGDALENE.

[From MS. B. M. Harley 2255, leaf 115.]

Incipit de trib?<,s \^r^\mh^ls, TLdiierina, Margar//a, &
Magc/aZene.

(1)
Kateryne with glorious Margarete,

That be virgines and martirs both tweyne,
Make the heuenly deuh of grace vpon vs shyne,

Of your chaast lyf som drope lat doun reyne ; 4

Thu choose of God, Maria Magdaleyne,
Ye alle, echoon, crownyd for gret vertu,

Ageyn al myscheef doth your besy peyne
To pray for vs vnto our lord lesw. 8

(2)
Lord, that sittist in the heuenly consistorye (leaf iis, back]

Of special grace heere myn Orisoun, —
As thu gaff grace of conquest and victorye

To thes too maidenys, to suffre passiouw, 12

And as thu gaff verray contricioure
To Mawdeleyne, weepyng with terys smerte,

By whos request, graunt vs remyssiouw
Of alle our synners, that crye to the of herte. 16

For what
these
women did.

(3)
And, lord Jesn, as thu knowest weel,

Seyn Margarete venquysshyd the dragou?/,
And seyn Kateryne brak the strong.[e] wheel

Thornh Goddys niyht, tyme of hir passiouw,

And Mawdeleyne kneelyd lowe douw
At thy feet, moost amerously weepyng,

And with hir heer displayed envirou/j
Dryed vp the terys, mercy ay cryeng.

20

24

MSS. Harley 2255, leaf 115, back = H ; Jesus Coll. Camb. 56,
leaf 76 = J. 1 Katerina J. 19 stronge J. strong H.

20 goodes J. 21 crying J.

To St. Leonard.

135

lesu, for love of thes women thre,

I the besoeke, oonly for ther sake,
Of thy moost merciful gracious bounte,

Sauf vs fro daungeer of hiJous feendis blake,
Bi the prayeer of thes seyntis alle,
lesu, haue mercy whan we to the calle.

Explicit q?w]) Lidgate.

and love of
thein,

28

Jesus,

2Q have mercy

on us.

[leaf 21, back]

27. A PEAYEK TO ST. LEONARD.

[From Bodley Laud Misc. 683, leaves 21, back, to 22.]
Here begynneth a praier to Seynt Lethenard. [leaf 211

(1)
Eeste and reffuge to folk dysconsolat

Fader off pyte and consolacyoun,
Callid recomfort to folk desolat,

Souereyn socour in Trybulacioun,

Yertuoiis visitour to folkis in prysoura,
Blissed Leonard ! graiuite of thy goodnesse,

To pray lesu wiih hooU affeccyoun
To saue )ji servauntis fro mysclief & distresse.

(2) _
Eemembre on hem that lyn in cheynes bou?ide,

On folk exsiled far from ther centre,
On swich as lyn with many grevous wounde

Fetryd in prisoun and haue no lyberte ;

For-get hem nouht ]i&t pleyne in pouerte
For thrust & hunger constreyned with siknesse ;

Pray to lesu of mercy full pite
To saue alle tho ])at calle f>e in distresse.

12

16

25 Ohu sic J. 26 Leseche J. 30 on to J. Explicit]

om. J.

MSS. Laud 683, leaves 21-22 = L; Harley 22.^5, leaf 114, back
— H ; Jesus College Cam. 56, leaf 76, back = J ; Sidney Sussex
.Coll. 37, leaf 6 = S. Incipit de Sancto Leonardo J. 1 BJest S
sic. Jest J. 9 lyue J. leyn S. 11 greues S. 12 Ferrid J.
in] ou S. 14 trurste sic S. 15 of] for his S. 16 tho] om. J.
pe] om. S.

Blessed

Leonard,

save

prisoners,
the exiled,

the poor.

136

To St. Leonard.

women in
travail,

the sad,

the
oppressed

(3)
Lat thy praier and thy grace avaylle

To alle tho that calle })e in ther neede,
And specially of Avomen that travaille,

To ache of bonys and gontes ^at do sprede ;

Help stau7iche veynes, "wich sese nat to bleede,
folk in fever, Help furious folk that tremble in \er accesse,

And haue in mynde of nie?-cy & take lieede
To pray for alle \at calle ])Q in dystresse.

(-i)
Sobre & appese suych folk as falle in furie

To trist and heuy do niytygacyoun,
Suych as be pensiff, niak he?n glad & murie, [leaf 22]

Distraut in thouht, reforme hem to reson??. ;

Eeleue pe porayle fro fals oppressiouu
Of tyranye, and extort brotylnesse,

Take hem of mercy in thy proteccyou??
And saue jjz servan?itis fro myschef & distresse.

_ (5) ^

Tliis signys groundid on parfit charite, ~

In \i persone encresyng ay by grace,
0 glorious Leonard ! pray lesu on thy kne

For )ii servauntis resortyng to pis place,

That they may haue leiser, tynie, & space,
Alle olde surfetis to refourme and redresse

Hosil & shryfft or they hens passe,
"With J)e to regue in eternal gladnesse.

(6)
Merciful Leonard ! gracious & benygne !

Shewe to \\ servauntis su??; palpable sygne,

Passyng this vale of woildly wrecchidnesse

With the to regne in eternal gladnesse,

Ther to be ffed with selestyal manna,

Wher as angelis ar wont to synge osanna !

Explicit.

10

24

28

32

and all
who resort
hither
(Norwich?)

36

40

44

46

19o/]toHJS. 22 feueious H J S. 25 /o/A;] om. S. fure S.
30 export S. britilnes J. 33 Lenuoye J. 34 ay'\ euer S.

40, 44 regny S. 46 as] om. H S J. syngen H. were J. Ex-

plicit quo]) lidgate H. om. J S.

To St. Ositha.

137

28. TO ST. OSITHA.

[MS. B. M. Harley 2255, leaf 116, back.]

Incipit de Sa/iC/a Ositha.

(1)
Heyl hool)' Sitha, niaide of gret vortu,

Which wj't/i hool herte and devout obseruauwce
AVer evir besy to serve our lord lesu,

Nj'ht and day liyui for to do plesaunce,

To poore folk refut of ther grevaunce,
Nakyd to clothe, the hungry for to feede,

Alle disconsolat of feithful attendaunce,
Them to refressh and lielp tliem in tlier neede.

(2)
In thy riht hand thu heeld a litil stoon

To bete thy brest of hool affecciou?i,
"VYakir in prayeer, abide evir in Oon,

With contrit terys niakyng thyn Orisouw,

Socour to sorweful in tribulaciou«,
Gracious expleit ther iourne for to speede,

That haue in the set ther devociouw
Geyn al niyscheef, to helpe hem in ther neede.

(3)
0 blissid Sitha ! flouryng in chastite,

Which of clennesse hast sovereyn excellence
To such as stonde in gret aduersite ;

For los of good by casuel negligence,

In al such caas do thy dilligence
Them to restoore, to wisse hem, and to Reede,

Geyn worldly trouble and feendys violence,
Supporte alle tho that calle the in ther neede.

'Explicit.

Holy Ositha

served our
T.ord,

12

and beat
her breast
continually
with a little
stone.

Speed
travellers.

16

20 and
recover
goods that
are lost.

24

Collated with MS. Sidney Sussex Coll. Cam. 37, leaf 5. 4 hym]
om. 8 helpe. 11 abeyde. 14 explete. 16 agayiie.

20 casuell cause of.

138

To St. Bohert of Bury.

Blessed
Robert,
sacrificed
by Jews,

as a child
Klas !

29. TO ST. ROBERT OF BURY.
[MS. Laud 633, leaves 22, back-23.]

Here beginneth a praier to Seynt Robert.^

(1)
0 blyssid Robert, Innocent and Yirgyne, [i leaf 22, back]

Glorious marter, gracious & riht good,
To our prayer thyn eris doun Enclyne,

Wich on-to Crist offredyst t1iy chast blood, 4

Ageyns the the lewys were so Avood,
Lyk as thy story makyth mencyoun.

Pray for alle tho, to Crist that starffi on rood,
That do reuerence on-to thy passioun. 8

(2)
Slayn in childhood by mortal violence,

Alias ! it was a pitous thing to see
A sowkyng child, tendre of Innocence,

So to be scourged, and naylled to a tre ; 12

Thou myghtyst crie, thou spak no woord, parde,
Wz't^-oute langage makyng a pitous sou»,

Pray for alle tho, knelyng on thy kne,
That do reuerence on-to thy passioun. 16

(3)
Fostrid wit/; niylk and tendre pap ]>i foode

Was it nat routhe to se J)i veynes bleede 1
Only for Crist, crucyfied for our goode,

In whos despit al sangweyn was thy weede, 20

Slayn in erthe, in hevene is now thy meede, [leaf 23]
Among marteris, vp-on thyn bed a crown,

0 gracyous Robert ! to pray for \\em tak lieede
That do reuerence on-to thy passioun. 24

Suffredist deth or thou koudist pleyne,

Thy purpil blood allayed vriih mylk whiht,

Oppressid w«tA turment koudest no woord seyne,

Fer fro thy norice, foujide no respight ; 28

To St. Thomas.

130

Be grace euspired, lesw was thy delight,
Thy sowle vpborn to the lievenly mansiou«,

Pray for alle folk that haue an apetyght
To do reuerence on-to thy passioun. 32

(•5)
Haue vpon Bury \i gracious reme?)ibraunce

That hast among hem a chapel & a shryne,
"W/t/i helpe of Edmund, preserve he??i fro grevaurace,

Kyng of Estynglond, martir and virgyne, 36

"VVit/( whos briht sonne lat thy sterre shyne,
Strecchyng your stremys thoru// al pis regioun,

Pray for alle tho, and kepe hem fro ruyne,
That do reuerence to both your passioun. 40

Explicit.

Remember
Bury,

which hdlds
thy chajiel
anil shrine.

30. A PRAYER TO SEYXT THOMAS.

[IIS. Bodley Laud, 683, 23, back.]

(1)
Blyssed Thomas ! rubyfyed with blood,

For lesus sake stable in tliyn entent,
Bysshop and marter, holy and riht good,

Born in Londoura, and charboncle of Kent,

Crownyd with Crist abooff fe firmament.
Stood as a peeler for hooly chirchis riglit ;

On us haue mercy, wher we haue out myswent,
And from al trouble diffende us with J)J myht.

(2)

Oracio.
0 hooly marter ! be our proteccyoun
And our dyffence in Tribulacioun,
And for the love of our lord lesu
Kepe us flfro synne, encrese us in vertu.
And or "we deie, graunte us in sub.staunce
Shrifft and hosil, coutriccyoun with repentaunce.
For lesns sake, wich is most parfit good,
For whom at Cau«terbury shad was thy/i holy blood.

Explicit.

Blessed
Thomas,

pill.ir of the
church,

1 2 help us.

16

140

To St Thomas (II).

Guardian
of Christ's
fold,

who

watched
over the
Garden.

31. A PRAYER TO ST. THOMAS OF
CANTERBURY.

[MS. Tanner 110, leaves 245, 245, back ; 242-243.]

(1)
Syngiiler shepperde ! gardeyn of Cristis folde, [leaf 245]

Geyn raueynous -wolues protecto?^?' and diflfence,
Of holy cherclie the riht as thou wer holde

Stood therbj', and maadest resistence 4

Ageyn the froward furious violence
Of tirantis, \)af put thy sheep in drede ;

Glorious martir, do thy diligence
To pray for alle ])af calle the in ther neede, 8

(2)
Strong in vertu, by grace which is diuine,

Keptest the wach by thy-silff allon
Of Cristis gardyn, and of chose vyne,

Which bi hys passiou?i was plauntyd in Syon,

To loyne the corneris, lesu the Angle ston,
In whos diffence deep scarlet Avas thy weede,

Be our protectour geyn al our gostly foon,
And pray for alle tho ]>at calle tlie in ther neede,

12

16

turned thy
well once
to milk,
four times
to blood.

(3)
Turnyd fyue tynies water off thy welle,

Onys to niylk for virginal clennesse
To blood four tyme, thy story doth vs telle,

"\Vlios martirdam red colour dede expresse.

Take mylke and blood for spiritual witnesse,
Lillies joyned and fressh rosis rede.

As thy deth was growndid on rilitwisnesse
Pray for alle tho ])af calle the in ther neede.

(4)
Lik as this milk was tokne of chastite,

And the red blood figur of thy suffraunce,
Bothe mylk and blood groundid on charite,

Which of all vertues hath most suffisaunce,

20

24

28

To St. Thomas (II). Ul

Name of Thomas put in remembraunce
Treuly expownyd, conoludeth on manheede,

With feith and hope, our trust is in substaunce
To saue alle tlio tluit calle tlie in ther neede. 32

(5)
Vertuous primat off Ingelond, thou wer callid,

Cros of Canturbury set vp-riht in thyn bond,
In which See Anon as thow wer stallid,

Thy labour was thoruhout al this lond, 36 Thou didst

Til «_• 11 labour to

Lyk thyn omce and thy spiritual bond, weed out

_-, , rill 1 '■^"^ tares

rro whete greyn lals cokel out to weede from tiie

Sparest no daunger by trouthe for to stonde,
To saue thy sheep and help hem in ther neede. 40

(6)
^ Blessid the kyngdam in wliich that thou wer born,

London enlumyned with thy Xatyuyte, [i leaf 245, back]
Be grace of God predestinat afforn

For hool}' chorche martired for to be ; 44

Daysterre of Kent, Cantirhury thy See, Day-star of

Crownid among martires in heuene now thy meede,

0 glorious Thomas ! of mercifull pite,
Pray for alle tho ]>at calle the in ther neede. 48

(")
Laureat martir the chose whete greyn ;

"Which from the chaff was tried out and pured,
Spreynt on the panient, pM?'purat blood was seyn,

Maugre thy foon, the palme thou hast recurid, 52

Compleet thy conquest, w^Y^ gret labour enduryd,
Chaar of thy tryumphe Angelis dede vp leede,

A crown of gold with martirs ful assuryd,
Pray for alle tho that calle the in ther neede. 56

(8)
Callid among martirs charboncle and ruby. Ruby of

Trouthis champiou?i, Achaat of hih prowesse,

Sampsoura the secounde, diamaimt sturdi,

Emeraud greene, voide of doubilnesse, 60

49 chose] choos MS.

Kent!

martyrs,

142

To St. Thomas (II).

none
conijiares
with tliee.

For love
of thee,

extinguished
tapers were
set alight
from
heaven.

Remember
thy

pilgrims,
shod or
bare.

Pray for
the Church,
the King.

Kepyng thy ground named of rilitwisnesse
Fortis Armatus, geyn falsenesse to proceed e,

Reknyng thy meritys, precellyng in gocdnesse,
Pray for alls the ]>at calle the in ther neede. 64

(9)
To tliy noblesse may nat be comparid

Off Cesar lulius the magnanimyte,
Lat Hanybal and Pompeye eek be sparid,

Set aside ther marcyal dignyte ; 68

For thou to sette Syon in liberte
List not spare thy sacrid blood to bleede,

Pray to lesn, knelyng on thy kne,
For alle tho \)at calle the in ther neede. 72

(10)
For loue off the and in thy niemorie

Our lord lesu of hys grete myht
A thyn[g] to been remembrid in historie

On tapris queynt in the peeplis siht 76

Only be grace from heuene cam dowi a liht
In thy story pleynli as we reede ;

Merciful martir, remembre day and nyht
On alle tho that calle the in ther neede. 80

(11)
Eemembre on alle that come to Visite [leaf 242]

Thyn hooly place with deuoute pilgrymage,
Shod or bare, ther vowes to aquyte,

Wher-soo thay be olde or yonge of age, 84

Lat thy support refressh hem at ech stage,
Comynge, goynge, ther lurneie for to speede,

Benigne Martre, preserue hem from damage.
And pray for alle that calle the in ther neede. 88

(12)
Sith Crist ech day doth miracles for the werche,

Of grace and merc'ie haue first in Eemembraunce,
Pray for the states of all hooly Cherche,

For the kynges vertuous goue?*naunce, 92

76 tapris] taperis MS. SO Version A {leaf 245) ends here.

Version B followed from this point.

To SL Thomas {II).

143

For hys Pryuces Marcial Puissaunco,
That high cliscreciou« may ther Prydel leede,

Lyke tlier degrees lyue to tliy plesau??ce,
And pray for alle that calle the m ther neede.

96

(13)

Pray for tliy Capeleyiis, be to hem gracious,

Which eue/- in oon abide in thy servise,
Mouckes professed, Preestes religious,

To pleese Ihe^^u at mydnyght thay arise, 100

Tliou as ther Patrou?^, defende hem \n sich Avise,
Thy Cherch, thy Tou?^, that noman he»i mysbede,

Por tliy Monasterie soo graciously deuyse
To be ther support and clieef help at ther neede. 104

thy
chaiilains,

thy chiirch
and town,
and
monastery,

(14)

For Knyghtes, Squyeres, aud yomen for the -werre,

In al juste Title make hem to preuaile,
Pray for marchau?ites that saile fro soo ferre,

For Artificeres that lyue by ther trauaile, 108

For trew ti[t]he[r]es, and pray for the poraile,
Lat thy blessynge on all these ffolkes sprede,

Pray le^u stynt blood-shedynge and Bataile,
And pray for alle that calle the in ther nede. 112

and all
estates.

Stint

blcod-

sbedding.

(15)
Lenvoye.

Quakynge for fere, goo forth, litle Table,
Be not to bolde for noo presumpciou;i

Toffir this martre, glorious and notable,
To shew thy c[l]auses, sauf of Deuociou?i
I them p?vsent with humble affecciourz,

Praynge echoon that shal thes seen or rede
Nat to disdeigne but doo Correcciou??,

In hoop this martre shal help a's \n our nede

Amen.

116

I send these
prayers to
hang before
this

glotious
martyr.

120

Deo gracias.

104 and] MS. at. 109 iihc] es MS. sic. 116 causes} MS.

144

To St. Ursula.

32. TO ST. URSULA AND THE ELEVEN
THOUSAND VIRGINS.

Ye Briton

virgin

martyrs,

like the

wise virgins,
waited for
Christ.

Grant us
help, LorJ,

for their

sakes.

[From MS. B. M. Harley 2255, leaf 116.]

(1)

Ye Brytoiui martirs, famous in parfitnesse,
Of herte avowyd in your tendir age

To persevere in virginal clennesse,

Free from the yok and bond of mariage,
Lyk hooly Angelis heuenly of Corage,

Stable as a stoon, groundid on vertu,
Perpetually to your gret avauntage,

Knet to your spouse callid Crist lesn.

(2)
0 ye maidenys, of thousands ful helleuene,

Ead in the gospel with five that wer wyse,
Eegnyng with. Crist above the sterrys sevene,

Your lampys liht for tryumphal emprise ;

Vpon your hed your stoory doth devise,
For martirdam crownyd with Roosys rede,

Medlyd with lilies for conquest in such wise,
Fressh, vndiffadid, tokne of your maydenheede.

(3)

Graunt vs, lesn, of merciful pite,

Geyn our trespas gracious indulgence,

Nat lik our meritis peised the qualite,
Disespeyred of our owne offence,
Ner that good hoope with thy jxicience,

With help of Vrsula and hir sustris^ alle,
Shall be meenys to thy magnificence,

Vs to socoure, lord, whan we to the calle.

12

16

20

24

MSS. Harley 2255, leaf 116 ; Sidney Susse.x Coll. 37, leaf 7 = S ;
Jesus Coll. Cam. 56, leaf 76, back = J ; Trin. Coll. Cam. R. 3. 21,
leaves 169, 169, back = T. Incipit de XI m^" virgines J. om. S H.
4 bounde of yoke sic J. 7 Petuously J. 8 Icalle S. 9

medyanys S. 12 /or] om. S. 15 mellyd S. 16 on vnfadid

tokyd sic S. 17 0 vrsula pray for vs to icsu, with alle tlii sus-
terys to encreyce vs in vertu S. 20 Dispeyred S. owne euyll
ins. S. 21 thi longe ins. S.

The Legend of St. George,

145

33. THE LEGEND OF ST. GEORGE.

[MS. Trinity College, C\un. K. 3. 20, pp. 74-81.]

^ Next nowe tilowinL^ here bygynnepe ))e tlevy.se of a
steyned halle of ))e lyf of Saint George ymagyned by Daun
Joliau pe Munk of Bury Lydegate / and made with Jje
bulades at ])e request / of parruorieres of London for
ponour of peyre broperhoode and )>eyre feest of Saint
George. I' ieafT4i

IT pee poete fir.st declarepe —

(1)
0 yee folk pat beer present be,

Wheeche of ])is story shal haue Inspecctofi,
Of Saint George yee may beholde and see

His niartirdome, and his passyon ; 4

And howe he is protectour and patioun,
)ji3 hooly martir, of knighthood loodsterre,
To Euglissfie men boofe in pees and werre.

(2)
In whos honnour sipen goon ful yoore 8

Jje thridde Edward of knighthoode moost entier
In his tyme, bassent at Wyndesore

Founded pordre first & pe gartier,

Of worpy knightes ay frome yeere to yeere 12

Foure and twenty cladde in oo lyueree
Vpon his d;iy kepte per solempnytee.

(3)
H )?is name George by Interpretac^uu

Is sayde of tweyne, pe first of hoolynesse, 16

And pe secound of knighthood and renoun,

MSS. Trinity Col. Cam. R. 3. 20, pp. 74-81 = S {written by
Shirleii) ; Trin. Col. Cam. R. 3. 21, leaves 314-317, back = T ;
Bodley 686, leaves 200, back, to 204 =B. 1 Ve folke all whvche
here iu prfisenee T. folkes B. 2 historv T. shull T. "4-5
tr. T. 4 Of hys T. and of liys T. 5 ys oure T. 7 en^lysshe T.
8 sithen gou B. goon sipen S. syth agon nat full yore T. 10
bv assent B. bv lordvs assent T. Wyndsore T. 11 pe ordre B.
the Ordre T. Jir3l]om.T. Cartere T. 12rty]eiierT. fro B.
13 .\.Kiiijte B. 14 p«r]>e B. hys T. 15 intorupeiourt B. 16 Is
seid B. ys sey.Ie T. h] om. S. of] for T. pejird] B. p*;] om. T S.
17 So B. and of secound S. The secund T.

LYDGATE, M. P. L

You that
see this
story,

may behold
St. George'.s
martyrdom.

The Garter
was

fomided in
his honour.

George
means

lioliness niid
knighthood.

146

The Legend of St. George.

Born in
Cappadocia,
a strong
city (!).

Virtuous in
youth,

he became
latiT a
kniglit-
errant.

A dragc n
lay beloie
the city.

As J)at myii Auctour lykepe for to expresse,

])Q feond veiiqwyssliing of manhoode and prowesse,

)5e worlde, pe flesshe, as Crystes oweii kniglit, 20

Wher-euer he roode in steel armed brigtit.

(4)

H Capadoce, a migRty strong Citee, —
As ]je story of liym list to endyte, —

Ordeyned was to his natyvytee; 24

And in his youjie he gaf him-self delyte [leaf 7£]
Frome day to day, as Clerkis of him wryte,

To suwe vertiie, so gynnyng his passage,

Vyces excluding, al Ryot, and oultrage. 28

(^■>)
H And Cristes feyth for to niagnefye

At gretter age his cuntree he forsooke.
And thoroughe his noblesse and his chyuallerye

Trouthe to sousteene, Avho-so list to looke, 32

Many a lournee he vpon him tooke,
}?e chirche defending with swerd of equytee,
])Q Right of wydowe8, and of virgynytee.

H And in ))is wliyle an aventure is falle, 36

Importable Jje people to sousteene,
Amiddes ))e provynce whiche men lybye calle.

In a Cytee ]jat named is Lysseene ;

A gret dragoun, Avith scales siluer sheene, 40

Horryble, dreedful, and monstruous of sight.
To-fore Jje Citee lay boo])e day and night.

18 And as T. ])at'\ one BT. for] om. B T. to expresse] B T.

19 fmnd] devel B. deuyll T. of hvs ins. T. niaydvnhodc B.

20 Crystes] liys T. kristes B. 21 full brvght ins. t. 23
histoi-y T. to] om. B. endure T. 24 to] in B. 25 And he
ins. T. he gaf] gaf T. gaf] gan B. self] om. T. 26 Fro B.
27 so gynnyng] he gan. 31 nobelnesse B. nobyles T. 34 the
svverde ins. T. 35 \ie] om. B. o.nd of] and B. [At the top o/" 315
in T is written by Stow, "The lyfe of saynt gorge compyled by
John lidgate monke of bery at ))e (ye) request of pe {yc) armerers of
london to peynt about ther haulle."] 36 aduenture B. byfalle B.
38 which pat ins. B. lyby T. lybie B. 39 a] the T. lysene T.
lessene B. 40 monstrous B.

The Lr(jrn<l of ,'</. Orovf/c. 147

{>)
H \)e kyiig, ]>G ipiecnc, )je lonles taken lieed

Of )iis sodeyne woeful avonture, 44

And p(.' jieople fellen in gret dreed

Consydering howe ]3at J)ey stoiide viisure,

As ])ey jjat might pe niescheef not endure
Maade by assaiite of J^at felle dragoun 48

By pestylence vpoii jjcyre wooful touii.

(8)
U But wliane )?e counseyle of )>eyre toun took keep

Howe )3at })eyre peyne was Intollerable,

)?ey senten out euery day twoo sheep 52 Twoshoep

/T> • 1 j> 1 1 T 1 sacrificed

To ])is beest foule and abhoniynable, to his

To staunclie his liunger whiche was vnstaunclieable, every day,
But whane J^eyre sheep by processe gan to fayle
Jjey most of nuwe provyde more victaylle, 56

(9)
H And whanne Jiey foonde no Refuyt ne couinfoit

For ))e dragoun to make pourveyaunce,

J5ane l)ey tooke by lotte ober by soort tiien men,

women, and

Man or cJiylde, fieyre vytayle to avauncc, 60 children.

Lyche as liit felle on by mortal chaunce^ [leafro]

Alias, ellas, it was to gret pytee ' MS. launce.

To seen Ipe sorowe fat was in fat Citee.

(10)
H )5e statuit made noon excepcyouu 64

Of hegfie ne lowe, pey stoode in so gret doute
Touchant fat monstre and fat foule dragoun,

Eche maner man, as it came aboute,

To be devoured, alias, fey Avere sent oute, 68

Til at be last f e lott in f is maner At last th«

T- , • 1 . . , T , 1 lot fell on

±el right vpon fe kynges doughter deer, tiie kind's

4Sfnkrn]K takj-ngST. 44 oofiill). wofull and sodayne T.
adiienture T. 45 fallyng 15. fyll T. 46 pat] om. B T.

stode B. stood T. 47 A's] And T. not] om. T. 48 J)e assent
i)is. B. fcUc] foule T. 49 ]>c7/rc] tliat. 50 But] Then T.

]>eyrc'\ fe B T. 51 )>«<] om. BT. 58 tliys foule beest that was
so abhomynable T. 54 staunche] W2t^<ira\ve T. whiche u-aa]

om. T. 56 nuicc] nede T. for more iius. B T. 57 nor B.

59 When B. token B. or BT. 60-61 tr. T. 61 Like BT.

bf/] })er B. rhai'.ncc] B. 62 to] om. T. 63 \>at (2)] the T. 66
Touching B. Towchyng T. ])at (2)] o?«. T. 67 Erhr] Eu^-ry B T.
maner] om. T. 69 atte last B. 70 right] om. B T.

L 2

daughter.

148

The Legend of St. George.

(11)
II }5at sche most nexst of necessytee

I>eo so deuovvred, helpe may no meede,
15ut to beo sent oute of ])at cytee,

}3is cely mayde quakyng in liir dreed ;

Vpon hir hande a sheep she did leed,
Hir fadir wepte, hir moder, boope tweyne,
And al ]je Cytee in teerys did so reyne.

i z

76

She was
sent out
royally,

and on the
way

met St.
Georfje, wlio
came to
save her.

(12)

^ At hir oute goyng hir fader for ])e noones
Arrayed her with al his ful might

In cloo])e of golde with gemys and with stoones, 80

Which shoone ful sheene ageyne |)e sonne bright,
And on hir wey sheo mette an armed knight

Sent frome ])e lord as iu hir diffence

Ageynst fie dragoun to make resistence. 84

(13)

II Saint George it was, oure ladyes owen l<nyght,
}3at armed seet vpon a ryal steed

Which came to socour J)is mayden in hir right,

Of aventure in jjis grete neode, SB

" Ellas ! " quod she, wliane she takejje heed,

And bade him fleen in hir mortal feer,

Lest he also with hir devowred were.

(14)
H And whane he saughe of hir fe maner.
He hadde pytee and eeke compassyoun,
To seen, alias, \q cristal streemys clear

92

71 nexst] om. B T. 72 so] om. B T. per helpe ins. B T (ther T).
help T. 73 And bv oon assent T. to] om. B. 74 quahjnq]

stondyng T. hir] gret T. 75 Vjmi^ In T. dyd she T.

76 and her ins. T. 77 so] om. B T. 78 coyng out T. 79
al] om. T. 80 ni] with B. with (2)] preciouse T. 81 fid

sheene] om. T. 83 fro B. Brought thedyr by god for hyr d. T.
84 Agayn B. Agayne T. 85 oiven] om. T. 86 ariol B sic.
87 The^vhyche ins. T. mayden] B. mayde S T. in hir right]
•with hvs myglit T. 88 Of] With gret ins. T. grete] B. gret S.
89 seyde T. "toke B. tooke T. 90 And] om. B T. fie in hast
ins. T. hir] his B. 93 ecke] om. B. gret T.

The Legend of St. George. 149

On liir clieekys reyne aiul royle adowne,

Tliougllt he "wolde beon liir riKuniiiiyouii, 96

For lyif nor dcetli fronic liir nut to depart

But in liir quareH his Innly to I\i]iart.

(15)

^ Hooly Saint George his liors smote on ])e syde [leaf 77]
Whane he }5e dragonn sawe lyfft vp iiis hede, 100

And towardes him lie proudely gan to ryde
Ful lyche a knight with onten fere or dreede ;
Avysyly of witt lie tooke goode heed, St. Gf-orpc

With his spere sharp and kene egrounde 104 tiie dragon

Thoroughe fe body he gat ])e feonde a wowiide.

(16)

II \)Q cely mayde, knelyng on hir kiie,

Vn to hir goddes niaked hir preyer,
And Saint George, Avhane he did it see, 108

To hir he sayde, Avith debonayre cheer, and bade

_ the maiden

" Eyse YD anoon, nivn owen donqhter deer, lead it into

- . " ^ the citv

Take )jy girdeH, and make fer-of a bande, bound with

And leed ];is dragoun boldly in pyn hande 112

her girdle.

(17)

^ In to \& cyte, lyche a conqueresse,

And j5e dragoun meekly shall obeye."
And to \q cytee anoon she gan hir dresse —

J?e Ouggely monstre dourst it not -withseye — 116

And Saint George pe may den gan conveye,
))at whane jje kyng hade Inspeccyoun,
With pialme and banner he gooJ;e processyoun, This was

95 chekyns B (!). royall ami so reu a downe T. 96 and

thought ins. T. be B T. 97 nor'] ne T. for B. to] om. B T.

98 gt;i>art T. iuparte B. 99 smote on] E T. i7idec. S. 101
Then toward T. 10'2 withoute B. 103 Avysvdlv with all wvt
andtokeT. 104 kenely T. grounde B T. " -105 ^c (1)] his B.
)'e(2)]BT. MS. faded in S. 107 makyng BT. 109 debo7iayrc]
a benyiigne B T. 112 ni ])i/n hande] on pe grounde B. 115
gan she B. 116 Owgle B. 'With thys vyle monstre whvche

durst nat abrey T. 117 mayde B T. c^oh] dyd T. 118 Of
the whvche T. hade] hed B. 119 baiincr] laurer B. goth a

ins. B t.

150

The Legend of St. George.

St. George
smote off
the dragon's
liead,

and

baptised
them all.

St. George
taught
reverence
to the
Church and
the

priesthood,
remember
the poor,
and liear
daily
service

(18)

^ Yiving to him fe laude of pis victorye, 120

Wliicli lia])e feyre cytee delyverd out of dreed ;

And Saint George, to encresce his glorye,
Pulled out a swerde and smote of his hed,
])Q people alwey taking ful good heed, 124

How God J)is martyr list to magnefye.

And him to enhaunce thorughe his Chiuallerye.

(19)
H Jpaune he made ]>e dragoun to be drawe,

With Waynes and cartes fer out of pe towns, 128

And atfter pat he taught hem Crystes lawe,

By his doctryne and predicacyoun,

And frome perrour by conuersyoun,
He made hem tourne, pe kyng and pe cyte, 132

And of oon hert baptysed for to be. [leaf 78]

(20)

U Jje kyng affter in honnour of Marye

And in worship of Saint George hir knight,

A ful feyre chirche gan to edefye, 136

Kiche of bylding and wonder feyre of sight,
Amiddes of which per sprang vp anoon right

A plesaunt welle, with stremys cristallyne,

AVhos drynk to seek was helthe and medecyne, 140

(21)

H Saint George panne enfourme gan pe kyng
Of foure thinges of "reat excellence,

First pat he shoulde aboue al oper thing

Crystes chirche haue euer in reuerence, 144

"Worship preesthood with al his diligence,

llaue mynde on poore, and first liis hert enclyne

Frome day to day to here servyce devyne.

120 him] liem B. >e] om. T. of \ns\ of his B. and the T.
122 his] theyre T. 123 a sverde'] aswere 'H sic. 124 alwey] etc.
awayted and sawe thys gret dede T. 126 |)orgh B. 129 hem']

om. T. 131 pere erroure B. pc] om. T. conuc?-3acioune T.
132 they»i T. 'pe (1, 2)] om. T. 134 in pe ins. B. 137 and]

om. T. 138 Mydde of ]>e which per sprong vp anon right B.

Mydde of the churche T. rp] om. T S. 140 sike B. Euery day to
her seruyce whych ys dyuyne T (see 147). 141 panne] om. B. gan
then T. 143 aboue all oper] oner al B T. 144 haue euer] haue B.
to haue T. liQ first] B. om.S. the poore and furst T. 147 Every
day to here se?'uice which is devyne B T. here] BT. hir S.

The Legend of St. George.

151

(22)
H )3is same tyme, ])e stoory telle cane, 148

ALrevnst Ovsten ber was a thvrant sent,
)3e whicli was called j^eo-Dacyan,

Of paynynie lawe he was a presydent,

And to destroye was hooly his entent 152

}3e feyth of Cryst, and sleen his confessours.
With dyuers peynes wrought hy his tormentours.

(23)
H Whane fat Saint George gan here of take heed

Howe ))is thyraunt gan Crystes feyth nianace, 156

He of pourpos lefi't of his knightly weede.

And pcurely cladde niette him in \q face,

Mannely cheered, fulfilled al with grace.
In his presence lowde he gan to crye 160

" Oon God fer is, fy on ydolatrye."

(24)
IT }3e false Thyraunt by gret vyolence

Commaunded ha))e anoon )?at he be taake,
And to be brought vnto his presence ; 164

Bade J^at he shoulde Crystes feyth forsake,

But he ne liste noo delayes maake,
Aunswerd pleynly, his Jyff by deth to fyne,
Frome Crystes lawe no thing shall him declyne. 168

(25)
IT }5e Thyraunt Jeanne, of verray cruweltee, [leaf 79]

Bad )?at he shoulde \\% martir moost entier
Kaked beon hanged vpon a galowe tree,

"With scowrges beet in ful felle maner, 172

And with brondes brennyng bright and cler,
His sides brent, were not lies peynes strong %
His entraylles opende, salt cast in among.

148 ]5is] The B T. tell B T. 149 Agayii B. 150 Aras Dacian
T. Dacian B. 151-2 tr. S. 151 payiiyms T. a] om. T. 152
t6\ om. B. 153 Cn/st] the churche T. his] the T. 154 TFiih]
ByT. his]om.T. ^55 ]>at] om. BT. therofT. 157 o/] T. om.
BS. knigtesT. 160 he] ovi. B. 161 0 B. on })i »is. B. 162
false] T. fals B S. 163 ha]>e] 07n. T. be] were T. 165 pat] om. B.
166 liste] B. lists, iioo delaijes] not any to T. 167 Aumirerd]
assurvd T. 168 /awe] fevthe T. declyne] BT. enclvne S. 171 on
B T." 172 skoigeil B t (be scourged i7is. T). beet] S. ful felle]
foule T. 174 Jtot^es] with T. 170 open 15. our T. with salt T.

Daciaii'
o]>]iros.seil
Cliristiniis
at that time,

and St.
George
rebuked
him.

He was
arrested,

and con-
demned to
be hung.

152

The Legend of St. George.

Christ was
his succour.

His poisoner
was con-
verted.

Then St.
George was
broken on
the wheel.

(26)
H )5e nexst niglit, Cryst to liini did peere, 176

And gracyously gan him to coumfort,
And beed him souffre his peynes with goode clieer,

And in no wyse liim-selven discoumfort,

For he pe palme of victor schal report, 180

By his souffraunce, and wynnen pe laurier
Of martirdame aboue ]>& sterres cleer.

(27)
% }jis mighty Gcaunt, Crystes Chaumpyoun,

Drank bitter venyme made benchauntement, 184

Crystes crosse was his protecc^n,

Preserving him fat he was not shent,

And he pat made hit of ful fals entent
Saughe ageyne God he hade no puissaunce, 188

Forsooke liis errour and fel In repentaunce.

(28)
IT Axepe mercy in ful humble wyse,

And bycame cristen, bytwix hope and dreed,
))e false luge, voyde of all lustyce, . 192

Comaunded hape Jiat he shnld leese his heed,

And in his blood, as any roose reed,
He was baptysed, Avhoo jmt can discerne,
By deejje deserving pe lyff fat is eterne. 196

(29)

H }janne Dacyan, furyous and cruwel,
Gane of nuwe devysen in his teene,

Keysed alolft a ful large wlieele,

Ful of swerdes grounden sharp and keene, 200

And Saint George, in his entent moost cleene,

Tourned per on in pat mortal rage, [leaf so]

\iQ wheel to braake he felt no damage.

176 The nyght after crista dcde him ap-pcre BT. 177 to'] om. T.
recomforte T. 178 And becd] Bad B. Bade T. ful gode i7is.

B. 180 vyctory T. shuld T. resorte B. 181 and] om. T.

wyiniyng T. 184 poyson T. by en-te B T (enchauiitemeiit T).

188 Sy that ayenst T. 190 And a.xeth ins. B. Aud askvd i7is. T.
191 betwyxt BT. 192 false] T. fals S B. voydc]iii\s'B. 193
shuld] T. om. SB. 194 rose T. roos S. ros B. 196 ]>at]
wliyche T. 197 full crnell ins. T. 198 Thought hym on a new
wyse in Augor and teiie T. 199 And reysed ins. T. on loi'te B.
200 gronnde B. om. T. 201 moost] ful T. 202 Was turnyd

i7is. T. that] t)eyr T. raige S ? 203 braste T.

The Legend of St. George.

\h%

(30)
H Eeke in a vessel boylling ful of leed, 204-

))is hooly martir -was eploungeJ downe,
He enterd In with-outen feer or dreed,

)pe grace of God was liis saluacioun,

[And liclie a bath of consolacioun] 208

He founde the metal coiimfortable and clere,
Escaping cute devoyde of al daunger.

(31)
H He was eeke brought, J)e story doofe devyse,

In-to a temple ful of mawmetrye, 212

Off entent to hauc doo sacrefyce,

But alle ]5eyre goddes he knightly can defye,

And sodyenly oure feyth to magnefye
A fyre frome heven was by m3'racle sent, 216

Wlier thorughe ))e temple was till asshes brent.

(32) _

II And with al ]ns we fyndeii in his lyll',

Thorugh Goddes might and gracyous p?<rveyaunce

]5at Alexandrea uf Dacyan \% wyif 220

Forsooke ydolles and al hir fals creaunce
And became crysten with humble attendaunce,

Suffred dee);e baptysed in hir bloode

For loue of him fat starff vpon pe Roode. 224

(33)
And Dacyan ))anne, by ful mortal lawe,

Comauniied hape in open audyenee,
}?at Saint George be thorughe f)e cyte drawe

And affter J)at ])is was his sentence, 228

[He to ben heueded by cruwel violence],
And in his dying ))U3 it is befalle.
He made his preyer for hem ]3at to him calle.

204 Also T. 205 plunched B. ploungyd T. 206 witTiout T.
\vithoiite B. •l^^limom.^. lyke T. Jycli B. bathe T. con-
SHlaciou?i B. 210 al\ that T. 211 eekt\ om. T. as the history
ins. T. 213 And of ins. T. hauc'] om. T. 214 hir B. can] hatli
B. dyd T. 215 ourc] voure T. 2\& fromc] of B. 217 till] to
B T. 220 Alexandria BT. of] om. T. 221 all myscreauiice T.
224 starff] hyng T. 225 ])a/nne] om. T. a ful ins. B T. 227 be]
BT. he S. 229 Zoic o//i. S. cruel B. Foito behedyd T. 230
t)is B. 231 theym T.

Boiled in
lend.

He con-
sumed, hy
a miracle,
the false
gods.

Dacian's
wife con-
verted.

At last
he was
beheaded.

154

The Legend of St. Petronilla.

(34)
His prayer. IT " 0 lord," quod he, " J)ou here myn orysoun 232

And graunte it beo vn-to )3e plesaunce
)3at alle folk ])at haue denocyoun

To me, 0 lord, haue hem in Eememhraunce
And condescende with euery circumstaunce 236

Of py mercy, 0 souereiu lord moost deer
Al for my saake to heren J>eyre jjreyer."

Dacian's
death.

(35)

And al ])e peple being in presence,

A voyce was herd dovne from Jjg hye heven,
Howe J)at his preyer was graunted in sentence

Of him l)at is lord of Jie sterres seven.

And Dacyan, with a sodein leven
Was brent vnwarly by consumpcyou?i.
As he repayred hoome to his mansyoun.

240

244

Explicit.

34. THE LEGENDE OF ST. EETRONILLA.

To tell of
Petronilla,

Peter's
daugliter.

[Reprinted from " Fugitive tracts : " I, First Series, /rom
an early Pynson print. ]

(1)

IP- 1]

The parfite life to put iu remembraunce
Of a virgyn moost gracious and entere.

Which in all vertu had souereyn suffysaunce,
Callyd Petronylla Petyrs doughter dere,
Benygne of porte, humble of face and chere.

All other maydyns excelled in fairenesse.
And, as liir legende pleynly doth vs lere,

Though she were fayre more comme?(dyd for meknes.

232 Marg. Qualiter Georgius orauit B. 232 quoth T. ])0u']

om. T B. 233 to thy T. 234 All the ins. T. alle jje i7is. B.

238 Al] om. B T. 240 fro B. ]>e hye] om. T. 241 yd] om.
B T. 244 vnwarly ly] m«rueloulsy by A T. 245 lioome] hem T.
Colophon: "Here eiuieth the lyl'e of seynt George " B. Explicit
vita sancti Georgii Martiris T.

The Legend of St. Petronilla.

155

(2)
And more-ouer, as hir story saytli,

By Petyrs doctryiie and informacion,
In Crystis lawe and stable in that feyth

She was so groundyd, for sliort conclusion,

Called the clere niyrroure of all jjerfection,
For good exaumple, by Goodys prouidence

Preuyd in sekenesse, hirlyf niaketh mencion,
In all hir sekenesse had parfyte pacience.

13

16

(3)
Though she had of brennynge greate feruence

Twene colde and hote, vexacion inportable,
There Avas no grutchinge, but vertuous Innocence,

Gaue thanks to God, of hert and thought most stable,

From hir entent nat found variable, — 21

So Avas she groundyd on parfyte charite, —

Professyd to God to p<:'?'3euere inumitable,
In hir auopgh made vnto chastyte. 24

An invalid,
slie never
complained.

Hir perfection breuely to discryue.

She was acceptyd so in the lordys sight,

To be noumbryd one of the maydyns fyue
Afore Ihesu that bare their laumpys light,
Which may nat clipse no derkenesse of the night,

But euer Ilych abydinge in vertue,

This Petronylla might cleyme of very right

To hir spouse oure blessyd lord lesu.

She was one
of the five
wise virgins.

32

(-5)
And as hir lyfe recordeth by scripture

Of this virgyn by myracles full notable,
It fyll onys of sodeyne auenture,

Petyr sittinge sadly at the table

With liis disciples, such as were moost able
In all vertue, Titus did abrayde

And of compassion with la??gage resonable
To Saynt Petyr euyn thus he sayde, —

[r- 2] 37

40

Titus once
asked Peter,

]56

The Legend of St. Petronilla.

"Wliy don't
you cure
Petronilla,
as you do
others ? '

(6)
"With humble support of youre audience,

Peysed youre poAver and youre holynesse,
"What may this mene, conchidynge my sentence,

That ye make hole all theym that haue sekenesse,

And Petronella quaketh in hir accesse,
Youre owne doughter in full pitous wise,

And ye alas hir langoure to represse,
Lyst nat onys byd[den] hir arise? "

45

48

Tlien St.
Peter healed
her ;

and she

served
tlieni.

(■)

Saynt Petyr thanne, of faderly pyte

Bad hir arise, and serue theym at the table,
And she all hole of hir infirm yte.

He gaue hir charge to be seruysable ;

She lyke a virgyn, of port moost agreable,
What euer he bad she alwey diligent

Of humble wyll, by tokenes moost notable,
Lowly to accomplissh his commaundement.

53

56

Peter liade
lier go to
bed again,
which slie
accefited
gladly.

And she fulfylled his byddynge, in certeyn,
Withoute grutchinge, of virgynall niekenesse,

Petyr bad hir goo into hir bed ageyn

Lyke as toforne, brennynge iu hir sekenesse,
For Cristes sake, she denipt it for rightwysnesse,

And of humylite, groundyd in all vertue,
Hir maladye Avas to hir a gladnesse,

All that she felt for loue of Crist Ihesu.

Gl

64

(9)
On whom alone she dyd hir hert[e] grouude,

Withoute chaunge or foreyn doublenesse,
In hir prayers she was so stable founde,

Folke that were seke their langoure to represse,

And as hir life can truly here wytnesse, 69

Her inwarde herte so brent in charyte,

Thoucrh God and nature gaue hir great favrenesse,
Yit more commendyd was hir humylite. 72

TJtc Legend of St. Fetroiiilla.

157

(10)
A pure virgyn perseuered all hir h-fe

Both for condicions and great senielynesse.
The Erie Flaccus desired hir to his wyf,

Cam and requeryd hir, did his besynesse,

For hir port and womanly noblesse,
Hir demenvncre and gracious visnge,

Albe that he excellj'd in richesse,
He besy wixs to haue liir in mariage.

(I) 3]

Flaccus
wishc'l her
for wife.

77

80

(11)
To yeue answere she was nat recheles,

But alwey one of thought and [of] corage
Toke him asyde, oute of all the prees,

Benygnely and demure of langage,

Gaue answere for hir auauntage
That he shulde the day of hir weddynge

Bringe matronys, wyues, maydyns yonge of age,
Hir to conuey vnto his dw[e]ninge.

85

She asked
for an escort
88 of women.

(12)

He gan reioyse Flaccus anone right

In his iuwarde hertly aduertence,
Lyke hir request, this Erie, this proude knight

!Made him redy to come to hir presence ;

She all this while lay in abstynence
In prayer wakynge, this virgyn vertuous,

With Fellicula moost preuy in sentence
Of hir secnees, brought forth in one hour.

93 She, how.
ever, lay
waking in
prajer,

96

(13)
Of Petronylla thus it is concludyd,

Who so list her lyfe playnly to rede.
Of his purpos Flaccus was deludyd.

And by a preest callyd holy ^S'ychomede

Brought to hir couch and lyenge there bedrede,
As God list for her graciously to wurch,

With hosyll, shrift, yeldyd vp hir goost in dede,
A partite mayde preuyd of all holy church.

101

and died at
last, a jmre
lO-i virgin.

158

The Legend of St. Pctronilla.

Felliciila,
her com-
panion,
was slain by
Flaccus,

and Nicho-
uiedes, her
confessor.

She died
May SI,

when all
birds sing.

St. Parnell,
like the
nightingale,
was ever
wakeful in
Jesus'
service.

Pellicula gan afore prouyde

Maugre Flaccus to lyiie in maydynhede,
Tlis loue, his hate, both she set asyde,

Lyued vii dayes metles in dede,

^ Slayne by this tyraunt, which made hir sides blede, 109
Lyke rede roses ran doiin liir cliast blode, [i p. 4]

And after that he slougli ^N'ychomede,
Last by despite at Tybre in tlie iiode. 112

(15)
Their martyrdome they dyd thus fulfyll,

With rosys rubyfyed co?«plete their passyon,
With white lyllyes was holy Petronylle

INIagnefied for chast affection,

Saynt Petyrs dougliter, hir lif maketh mencion, 117
Exsaumple of pacience in sekenes whan she lay,

With purple wede to the heuenly niancyoii
Hir soule went vp the last day of May. 120

(IG)
Which is a seson playnly of tlie yere ~

That all foulys^ make melodye, i Fr. souiys

And nightyngalys with amerous notys clere

Salueth Esperus in hir armonye.

The sharpe thorne towadre the partye 125

Of liir herte, kepeth wakyr hir corage,

That nouther cokkowe nor howle by enuye
May for no slouth fynde in hir avauntage. 128

(17)
Take of this mater an ajjplycacion,

To say Parnell of herte glad and light
That euer was wakir of hole entencyon

To serue Ihesu, nat sluggy day nor night,

Callyd the nightyngale with heuenly fethers bright, 133
Gaue thanke to God in langoure and sekenesse,

Venquesshid iii enmies thrugh grace of Goddis miglit,
And made hir ende in vrgynall clennesse. 136

[Ballade.] (18)
Petronilla, virgyn of great vertu, Oracio

Clad all in floures of spirtYuall freshnesse,

How the Plague was Ceased,

159

Petyrs donghter, for love uf Crist lliesu

Latlest thy Ivf in prayer and clennesse,

Of herte ay founde moost meke in tliy sekenesso,
To do seruise with liumble diligence

Unto thy fader, tliy story be-retli witnesse,
Callyd for tliy merytes myrrour of pacience ;

(19)
God and nature gaue the greate fayrenesse [p. oi

To excelle all other of port and of beutye,
Trauaylyd with feuerys and many stronge accesse,

Gaue thanke to God, thy legende Avho list se,

Vertu was preuyd in thyn infirmyte,
"VVherfore we pray with humble reuerence

Do mytigacion of all that seke the,
And with their accesse vertuous pacience.

_ (20)
Be-mene to Ihesu for vs in all myscheef

That he of mercy oure sekenesse list aslake,
And of thy meritys more to make a preef

Socoure thy seruauntys where they slepe or wake,

0 blessyd Pernell ! nowe for thy faders sake
Ageyne all accessys and stroke of pestilence,

All that deuoutly their praier to the make,
Sende theym good helth with vertuous pacience.

(21)
And who that cometh vnto hir presence.

On pylgrimage with deuocion.
Late him trust[e], pleynly in sentence,
Shall fynde grace of his peticion.

Emprynted by Rycharde Pynson.

141

144

Teacli US
piitience,

149

152

157

160

164

for thy
father's
sake, in
sickness
and pesti-
lence.

Pilgrims to
lier shrine
(lit Bury)
shall find
their prayers
granted.

35. HO^V THE PLAGUE WAS CEASED
IN ROME.

[MS. B. M. Adds. 29729, leaves 4 back-5.]
how the plage was sesyd in Rome / John lidgat.

(1)
So noble m.edesyne, ne so sovereyne, [leaf 4, back]

So speciall stronge gayn ffever pestilent.

160

Hmo the Plague ivas Ceased.

No medicine
like the
Lord's.

In Gilbert's

time,
at Rome
and Pavia,
there was a
pestilence.

The good
and evil
angels smote
tlie people.

Tlien an
altar to St.
Sebastian
in St. Peter's
ad Vincula,
stopped it.

12

15

Avicen, Ypocras, nor yet Galien

Cerapion nothar for all his jiigement

^Nor Escixlapias, for all his medicament
Coulde nevar make in all his lyves space

Medecene lyke to the lord omnipotent
When to his peoples he lyste send his grace.

(2)
It is remembryd in gestys of Lumbardy, [leaf .5]

Iieynynge kynge Gilberte, a cruel! pestilence,
An vgsom dethe environde Italy,

Where crafti cure coude make no resistence

As provyd was, by dredfull experience
In Rome and Pavy, to carefull Citees
Wher pestilence regnyng dyd tyrannees.

(3)

In sondry placys this furious syknes

So cruelly racyd, that mo were dede
Then lefte on lyve, and thus vfitk hevynes
The lytell nomber lyvynge in gretdrede,
Seynge so myche caren, the Erthe dyd sprede
Scant they myght them bery, gret was theyr payne
For nothynge erthly, from deth myglit them restrayne. 22

Ther were to Aungels visibly sene with eyne
The good before, the evyll dyd hym folowe,

How ofte the good to smyte dyd assigne,

That oder smote, to folkes full grete sorowe, 2'6

So thousands died, nyght, myddaye, & morowe

Oute of eche place, whiche tokened thus,

That thoos Aungels wer pestiferus.

19

29

(■5)
In the meane seson, an holy man

Had revelation, when that in Pavye

Was made an Auctor to Sent Sebastian,

Shulde cese that pestilence & that malady,

This Auctor made in the chirche callid Petry

Advincula, to the martirs Eeverence

The plage cesid, and eke the pestilence

36

The Lcfiead oj St. Gi/h. KU

Not golde potable, nor pared quintessence,
Not Rewe barbaryn, nor Alpharike Triacle,

Surraounte the power of niyghti pestilence,

Ikit God [thorugli] his seyntis doth his miracle 40

To everi pi?rson, 1)v grace Eeoeptakle/ i MS. iiecepubie

Worshipynge this niartir, he instillith his grace,

Moste sovereyne diuprodest, in all pestilence case. 43

/ Explicit / John lidgate /

Empire.

3G. THE LEGEND OE SEYXT GYLE.
[Bodleian MS. Laud 683, leaves -33, back, to 44, back.]

Here begyimeth the lyff of Seynt Gyle. [k. 33, uk.i

(1)
Of Agamenoun vnder tiie large Em pyre, 1 St. Giles,

" born in Aga-

Born in Athehys of Grekes royall lyne, memnon'

Blyssed Gyles, thy grace lat Enspyre,

In-to my penne, the tracys tenlumyne ; 4

Cast down thy look, lat the stremys schyne,
Of thy tweyn Even, this prosesse to conveie,

Be influence of grace which is devyne,
;Me to dyrecte of that I wolde seye, 8

(2)
In thy Wurship compendyously to wryte.

By a maner breetf compylacyoun,
To remenibr?, so as I can Endyte,

Thy gloryous lyff, thy conversacyoun, 12

Thorugh al the world in euery regyoiin
Had and rehersid, be examples ful notable,

Lyk a merour of Contemplacyoun,
To if oik that caste hem in vertu to be stable, 16

MSS. Laud 6S3, leaves 33, back, to 44, back = L ; Leyden
Voss. 9, pp. 1-15 = V. Harley 2255, leaves 95, back, to 103 = H.
4 tratys H.

LYDGATE, M. V. M

162

The Legend of St. Gyle

(3)
I will tell A lytel glene, gadrvd in the ffeld,

your story 1*^11

as T can, Letweii large shokk js of pariight liolynesse,

Mong grete schevys that I ther be-lield,

To gadre up heerys dyd my besynesse, 20

Greyn tryed out, selestyall of swetnesse, iieafs-t

To ffostre and ffeede ffolk Contemplatyff,
Full ill purpos breeffly to Expresse

Centenciously tliy myracles and thy lyfp, 24

(4)
Wher-vp-on my purpos to ffulfyllo,

By Goddis grace, fortune, or aventuro,

Ther Avas to me broulit a lytell byllo

Of greet devossionn by a cryature, 28

as I was Eequyryng me to do my besy Cure,

flSKGCl lO QO,

outof Latin. Affter the tenour only fTor Gyles sake,
Out of Latyn translate that scripture.
Folwyng the copie, tliis labour vndertake ; 32

(5)
To whos requeste lowly I dyd Obeye,

Breeffly this story to put in remembraunce,
* Long prossesse lefft, took the nexte weye.

For short metris do gladly gret plesau«ce, 36

By cler report rehersed the substaunce,
Prolyxite ffor to sette asyde,

Bood no lenger but gan my penne avaunce,
Trustyng Seynt Gyle for to be my guyde. 40

(6)
Compendyously was remembrid thus,

So far in ordre I schall rehersyn here.
Thy ffader was named Theodoras, [leaf 34, back)

Callyd Pellagia was thy moder dere, 44

Of roial blood bothe borne yfFere ;
Thy youthe ffostryd, bokys deterinyne,

"With dyllygence vertu for to lere,
And profyte in vertuous dyscyplyne. 48

20 eerys H. 32 copei (i added in red ink) copee H, copes V.

33 I lowly dede H V. 47 leerue V. 48 discipulyne V.

Thy father
was Theo-
doras,
thy mother
Pellagia.

The Lcfjend of St. Gyle.

1G3

(7)
Thus dysposed in veitu to profyte,

Lyk thy mastres wich taulit ])e spelle and reede,
Tendre of age, grotly lyst delyte,

As seith tliy lyff, in almesse-deede, 52

Of conipassiou?i castyst of thy weede,
Gaff it freely to oon that (juook for cold,

Wicli was maad hool reU'resshed in his neede,
The flirste myracle in tl)y legends told. 56

(8) •
Fader, moder, anoon as they were ded,

Thow dyst reioysshe ther tresour & richesse,
Thy patronionye for more goostly sped,

Thow gaff to pore, of mercyful ahnesse,

Another poysou?tned, J)e venym dist represse,
To oon also with a ffend Travaylled,

Thy preyer and Expert hoolynesse
To his recure hath sovereynly avaylled. 64

(9)
This niyracles spred in thy Contre,

For teschewe veynglorie and. fals pryde,
Of perfectyon ttieddyst ouer see,

Preysyng of people for to sette a-syde, [leaf 35] 68

On-to shipmen sauacyonn and gyde,
^ladyst jje tempest graciously asswage,

And fro perysshyng dist so for he?M p?"ouyde
From al perell to fortune ther passage. 72

(10)
Seke and pore thou lyst also vysite,

And alle that were in Trybulaciuun,
Of tlie wedewe callyd Theocryte,

To hir douhter thou were sauacioun, 76

Of old langour hir Consolacyoun,
To al the contre pleynyng for skarsete,

By thy prayer and medyacyoun,
They did habou«de with gracious plente. 80

Thou f nvest
thy coat
away wlien
a boy :

pavest away

thy inherit-
60 aijce.

Miracles
followed.

Sick and
poor visited
thee.

50 <A.v]theV. .',6 r/iCiriViC] first HV. 59 more goostly]

moost goodly H V. 62 Jeiui] freiide V. 67 ouer the ins. H V.
7t weryu V. 79 raeditaciouK V.

M 2

164 The Legend of St. Gyle.

(11)
Wlian the hermyte A^eredemyus

Was ffer absent, thy story doth expresse,
Thoruh thy merit notable & vertuous

Thou madist a penaunt hool from al siknesse, 84

Three years Toward disssrt the lourne thou dist dresse

m the desert.

With cokl water, and herbis rauhe and grene,
Complet iij year thy story berith witnesse,
Laddist thy lyff, of colour pale and lene, 88

(12^
God of his grace hadde vpou the mynde,
Lyst ordeyne ffor a liestoratyfF
The hind To thy repast, wliight as snow, an liynde, [leaf 35, back)

fed thee with J 1 ' o ) J > ^ .„

milk. With plentyvous mylk to fostre therby thy lyrr, 92

Myd sharpe breris thou were Contemplatyf,

Thy body peyned with rigerous contynence,
Ageyn Sathan of costoiu was thy stryff

Dauntyng thy flessh by vertuous abstynence. 96

(13)
Thy ffoode was iiouther on Hessh nor 11'yssli,

Sool by thy-silff in a desert place,
Other deyntes kain noon in tliy dyssh,

But frute and rootis wich thou dist vp race, 100

Bestis reioysshyng to loke vp-on thy fface,
Mong sharpe busshes keptist thy herinytage,

As I told erst, among by Goddis grace
Sook of an hynde wich that was savage. 104

(14)
Thus of costom the hynde kejit \\ tynie

At serteyn houris duryng ful tlirc yeer, .
Wente in pasture gresyng fro the pryme,

Toward m3'dday she kaiu with ful glad cheer, 108

Of God provided to be thy vytayller,
With a repast of hir mylk most soote,

She was thy cook, she was thy boteleer,
Ageyn the constreynt of hunger to do boote. 112

90 ordyne V. 91 wyth V. 98 a deserf] desorte V. 101 rji o«.]
vp V. 105 yi] hir H V. 110 hir] tlii H V.

The Legend of St. Gyle.

165

(15)
This myracle, and tliis viikoutli tliyng, [icafSGj

Was at Tuskan, to Gasceygne adiaceiit,
"S'pon ]iurgoyne regnyng there a kyng,

As I reede hys name Avas Fluent,

Wich in huntyng sette at his Entent,
Curteys, gentyl, in al his goueriiaunce ;

To conclude, shortly in sentement,
He was soget to the kyng of ffraunce, 1 20

(16)
At mount Pilleris holding his soiour,

As thy story, Guyles, maketh mynde
Vpon a day the kyng wit/i gret labour,

Alle his nieyne, noon -was lefft be-hynde, 124

Hou7idis on-coupelyd to chasyn at thy7i hy?«de,
Eoial lymeris Avith alauntys huge,

Tliy beste swyfft letft hem echon be-hynde,
Ran to thy ffeet for socour and reffuge. 128

(1")
The kyng, the bysshop, thy story who lyst rede,

Of that kyngdam cam to thy presence
Hurt wttA an arwe, sauh thy wounde bleede.

Prof red amendis and gold for ther offence ; 132

The kyng in wyl thy wrong to recompence,
By the assigned of hooll affeccyoun.

To bylde of monkis in Goddis reuerence, [leaf 36, back]

11 G Fluent,

kinj; of Bur-
{,'iinfiy,
lived near
by,

and hunted
on a day.

He saw thee
hurt with
an arrow,
when tlie
hind ran to
thee.

A monasterie wjt/«-Inne his regioun.

136

(18)
At thy requeste the bisshop and the kyng,

Condescendid, with a Condycyoun,
That thow woldist accomplissh ther askyng

To ben abbot of that relygyoun,

Sette a ground of hih perfeccyoun.
By good example take of thy persone,

And of desert leue thy mansyoun,
For comou?i Drofvdit and leue nat so allone.

The king
built thee a
monastery.

140

144

114 Gascoygne H V.

115 «] as HV. 119 senteus V.

166

The Legend of St. Gijlc.

Thou wert
abbot,

abstemious,

keeping
tliy wound
always open.

(19)
At ther prayer Avith al huniylyte,

In thyn avis thou were Condescendyd,
That the religioun myhte Encresed he,

By thy presence and vertuously amendid, 148

Circumstaunces breeffly comprehendyd,
Thorugh o persone offtyn hath he prevyd,

All a regioun myhte been amendyd
By 0 good man socoured and releued. 152

(20)
In this mater it nedith not to tarye,

To dauwte thy Hessh, pe trouthe was wel sene,
"Whan thou lefftyst to he soly tarye,

Fedyng thy-silff with rotys rauh &: grene, 156

Drank welle water, of colour megre and lene, [leaf 37i
Thy wou??de open, thy blood dystellyng doun,

As deuhy dropis, ageyn the sonne schene,
Ay to remembre on Crystys passyoun, 160

(21)
Prayeng fe lord duryng al tliy lyve,

Be experience as it was aft'ter ffounde.
On remembrauwce of Cristis wou?^dis ti'yve,

That euer bledyng sholde be thy wounde, 164

That no leche with salue sholde sownde
Thy grevous hurt, to staunche it, or to bynde,

Cristis carectis large, wyde, and rownde.
Eternally enprente hem in tliy mynde. 168

(22)
The saide abbey accomplisshed & I-walled,

The kyng present in his royal astaat,
With the bisshop whan thou were stalled,

Meek of thy port, nat pompous nor elal, 172

Loved and drad with grace fTortunat,
Laumpe and lanterne of perfeccyoun,

Tauhtest ]>i soggettis, erly and eek late,
To profyte in ther Eelygyoun, 176

164 xnld V. 169-176 om. V. 171 whan that ins. H.

175 ff. Faded letters from this point are retouched in L, by later
hand, in red ink.

The Lojcmi of St. Gi/le.

167

188

ruling thy
conveut
192 well.

Fastyng, wakyiiL;. and li^^gyiig lianle a-nylil, -An ascitic,

To thy discyples patroun and exaniplarie,
Fyrst at matynes settyst vp the lyght, [leaf 37, b.-nU]

In ech party of the seyntewarye, 180

Knelyng in churohe, or in tliy lybraryp,
Euer in study or Contemplacyouii,

Pastor callid, nat a mercenarye,
"With a brydell of Castygacyoun. 184

(24)
Madist thy ilessh meekly to oheye

To the spirit, voyde of rebellyoun,
Of alio ]>[ werkis discressioiui bar the keie,

With hill prudence and no presumpcioun,

Tweyne of consayl, equyte and resoun,
Lyk a flfader peised rigour and clemence,

Twen thextremytees hate or affeccyoun,
Reulyng thy convent vnder obedience,

(25)
Wyt and discrecioure kept egal the ballau?ice

A-tween cherisshyng and just correccyouras,
Thou bar the torche of prudent goue?'naunce,

Fro parcial drauht of fals deuysiouHS, 196

Resou« repressed Iforeyn occasiou^is,
With soffte speche and with woordes ffayre

Were set a-syde alle rebelliouns,
To thy precept was no soget contrarye. 200

(26)
Swyfft of wynge flight of thy good fame, [leafssj

By cleer report kam to the audyence
Of kyng Charlys, and of pi jiarfit name,

Wherof supj)ri?ed with spiritual fervence, 204

By auctorite of royall excellence,
Sente to the deuoutly by massage,

Beyng thy-sil£E at Aralatence,
Toward hym holdyng th}' viage, 208

1S6 rebelaciou?! V. 189 nn 1 of ins. V. 193 egaly V.

196 of] k V. 204 supposid V.

A perfect
abbot.

Tliou

wentest to
meet Kinjj
Charles,

168 The Legend cff St. Gyle

(27)
meeting and Mettvst a man, wich in his entrayll

healing a ^ '

man on the AVas Oppressed by the ffendys myght,

A wikkyd goost so dyd him assayll,

Al men ferful to kome[n]in his sight, 212

But of compassion and grace of Cristis myht,

By thy prayer he Avas maad hool, by grace,
Affter this myracle Charlis tlie noble knyht

On botlie his amies the meekly did embrace, 216

(28)
The king The kyng lowly viiih deuout obeysaunce
topiayfor Prayde thou woldyst in thyn Orysouns

Ilaue hym dayly in thy remembraunce,

Sith it stood so, fEor short conclusiouns, 220

He hadile offendyd of froward mocyouns,
In a synne terryble to descry ve,

Weuer of purpos in his oppynyouns [leaf 36, back. J
Therof to been confessed in liis lyve. 224

(29)
Nat longe affter beyng at thy masse

By gret avys praydest ffor the kyng,
In thy memento lyst nat lyglitly passe

Tyl Cryst lesu grauntyd thyn askyng, 228

and a letter In a bylle the trespas rehersyng

hi gold came -tiT-.i it i i. , i i ,

to thee from With goldeue lettrys cast on the auhter,
absolving Broulit by an angel from hevene discendyng

Of al the cas declared the maner, 232

(30)
To more encres of this vnkouth myracle

As the bylle in ordre dyd Expresse,
To thy requeste was maad noon obstacle,

Cryst hath for-^oue of his gret goodnesse, 236

The kyngys gylt thoruh thy parfitnesse,
Alle circumstaunces pleynly out declaryd,

Atween you two, as thou lyst hym confesse,
Treuiy in ordre there was no poynt I-sparyd, 240

210 the] om. V. 212 comen H Y. konie L. at his V.

225 beyiig] om. V. 239 lyst] (list H V.

The Legend vf St. Gj/Ic.

109

(31)
This vnkoutli bylle, by an angell brought,

Cast on tlie auhter, briht as \)e sonne schoon,
"Wliat was -wretyn no man knew rilit nouht,

Wcord nor sillable but thy-silffe alloon, 244

Tliey gair a lygbt lyk a cliarboncle stoon
Tliorugh the chapel the skrowe sclioon so shene, [itafSQj

Among hem alle sothly was nat Oon
Except thy-syltf knew what they did mene. 248

(32)
Graunted to the ffor a prerogatyfF,

In this bylle witli thys addycyoun,
What synful man lyst amende hys lyflf,

Full repentaunt with contrycyoun, 252

And tlie sacrement of confessyoun,
The lord aboue schal hem to mercy take,

Throuh thy prayer and hooly orisoun
So that they lyst ther synne to for-sake. 256

' (33)
Charlys rcstoryd on-to goostly helthe,

By thy notable luformacyoun,
To gret encres of hys worldly welthe,

And gret prosperyte of all his regioura ; 260

At thy depaityng from his roial doungou??,
To dvsceuere ve twevne were so loth

Of ffervent love and trewe att'eccyoun
Thy lyff remembreth that ye wepte bothe. 264

(34)
Repeyryng hom by thy decert ay nioryd,

Be encres in vertu Crist lesu. was thy sped,
A dukys sone was to lyff liestoryd, _

This bill
also grante'i
thee privi-
lege of
mediation.

A duke's
son was

By thy prayer wich lay affore the ded, [leaf so, back] 268 healed on

J J 1^ J J ' thy return.

Among ]>i bretheren with obeisaunce and dred,

Komyng hom brouht in vcith glad vysage,

Abood nat longe, clad in a pilgrym weede,
Toward Eome madyst thy vyage.

272

246 shene] clene V. 252 with] of V. 259 hys] this H.

170

The Legend of St. G-yle.

A pilgrim
i^e to Rome.

The Pope
granted thee
freedom
from inter-
ference.

He gave
doors of
cypress

for thy
convent,

tplling the
life of

(35)
Cause of thy goyng in Jji lyff expressed,

Was of greet zeel and gret affecoyoun,
Fill weel expert for grace hath so dressed

Thy pylgrymage toward Eonie toun, 276

And to expleyte all thyn entencyouii,
Xoon obstacle, as it is comprehendyd,

To thy requeste and lust petycyoun
Gracyously the Pope ys condescendyd. 280

(36)
Gret heed he took to thyn holynesse,

And to thy famous greet huniylyte,
Sette thy chirche for euer in sekernesse,

And thy relygioun in Tranquyllyte, 284

By bulle asseled with many lyberte,
Peynes annexed by ful hard sentence,

Ageyn alle tho that of Inyquyte
To thy convent dyde vyolence. 288

(37)
And by a-nother favourable sygne,

Of God enspired the Pope dyd liis peyne, [ieaf40j

Lyk a ffadder gracyous and benygne,

Put thy ffredamys to stondyn in serteyn, 292

On-to thyn hous he gaff dorys tweyne,
By crafft out korve wrouht with fressh entayl,

!Maugre alle tlio that lyst at it dysdeyne
Thyn hous tenpugne they shal nat prevayll. 296

(38)
This seide dooris korve out of Cypresse,

Brought to Tybre they fond noon obstacle,
Xext to that stronde, thy story seith expresse,

They fro Tybre conveyed by myracle 300

To thy closet and lytell tabernacle,
Brought to londe w/tA gret solempnyte,

Affore thy stepill with many fressh penacle,
In vvich dorys who lyst thy story see, 304

294 with] bi H V.

C02 solemnvte crret V.

The Legend of St. Gule. 171

(39)

"Was liool coin[)let lyf of thapost.elys xij, IJol'tie^''

In fressh picture with lyffly quyk Images,
Thou^li Pi>:'nialeon had be there hvm-selvo

He koude haue niaad no goodlyere vysages. 308

Eeysed l)entayll vp-on sniale stages
Garnysshed with gold, freet wiili stonys ryche,

Blissed Gyles by thy pylgrymages.
Thou gat these loukis to wich ]ier be no« lyche. 312

(40)

Kept in thy chirche ffor a iiieraoryall, [leaf 40, back]

Tokene of ful graunt and confirmacioun.
That thy raenstre in Especyall

Fraunchised was, for pleyn conclusioun, 316

From all maner luredyccyoun,
Of foreyn power be thyn holynesse,

Prelat nor prynce of no presu?upcioun
Thy lybertees nor fran?ichise to nppresse, ' 320

(-H)
By a spirit only of prophesye,

Knew afforn whan thou sholdyst passe,
Thy bretheryn p?'esent with many wepyng eie.

On a Sunday knelyng in tlie place, 324

Spreynt wiilt teris, lokying on thy fface,
Whan that thou gaf, as I can remembre

Thy oost to God conveyeii vp by grace,
"Wtt/i hoh' angellis mon[e]the of Septeml)re. 328

Exjilicit.

A Pkaieu to Skynt Gyle.

(42)

0 gracious Gyle, of pore folk chef patrons, Gracions

Medycyne to seke in ther dystresse,

324 wyht knelyns ins. \. 328 monoth H V. nionthe L.

Explicit vitii sancti Eqidii. seqnitur oratio ad eundem margin ofY.
Iiicipit oracio ad eundem V {above oratio).

172

snve all the
poor and
needy,

The Legend of St. Gyle.

To alle needy sheeld and proteccyoun, [leaf 41 j

Reffute to wrecchis, tlier damages to redresse, 332

Folk that "were ded restoryng to quyknesse,

Sith thou of God were chose to be so irood,
Pray for our sy«nys, pray for our wikkidnesse,

To Crist le^u that boughte us wzt/t his blood, 336

(43)

Caste vp-on us thy goodly pitous yee,

To our requestis thyu eris dou7i enclyne,
For the love of lesu and Marye,

Born ill Bedlem, she a pure virgyne, 340

And as thou were tryacle and medycyne
To kyng Chaiiis, whan lie in myschef stood,

Teclie us the Aveye by pi gostly doctryne,
To love that lord that bought us with, his blood. 344

against the
tienrl.

(44)

Geyu our eneniyes wich ben in nou?/il}re thie,
Tlie fiessh ])e Avorld pe dredful fel serpent,

Of thy grace and mercyfull pyte,

To J)i servawitis that serve the of eutent
Ageyn al trouble be \vi\h hem present,

Maugre J)e fend and his furious mood,
Gracious Gyle, be neue?' from us absent

For love of Ie,«u '^at bouhte us w?'t7i his blood,

348

352

(45)

We putte our trust and our affeccyouu [leaf 41, back]

In J)i most feithful prudent gouernau72ce,
Be thow our slield, [our] pavys, and sheltrou??,

That Avere so famous by myracles in substau?ice, 356

Wrought by thy merit in Germanye & Frauwee,
IMaugre leviathan, mankyndes fo moost wood,

Ageyn whos werre haue us in remembrau?ice
To-fore that lord wich bouht us wzt/< his blood. 3G0

338 request H V.

353 our (2)] H V. om. L.

The Legend of Sei/nt Margaretc.

173

Lenvoye.
(46)
0 niyn [avowo'], wicli callid art Soyiit Gyle, i MS. above.

Tweeu hope il' dreil most iiiekcly I requere,
Thynk on ]?< man ])af laboureth to compile

This lytel dete, of hooU herte and entyeer, 3G4

Haue mynde on alle that trust in \i praier,
For love of hym that starff vpon J)e rood,

Yif thou be mene, ^ve stonde no thyng in were,
To haue his mercy yat bouhte us with his blood. 368

Explicit.

St. GiloR,
think of tliy
servant,

and

reiiKMiibur
all tliat
trust tliy
lirayer.

37. TIIK LEGEND OF SEYNT MARGARETE.

[M.'^. Durliani Co-sin V. II. 14, leaves 97, back, to 106, back.]

Here begynneth the prolog of the holy Seynt, Seynt
Margarete, compendyously compiled in balade by
Lidgate dan Joh^n, Monk of Bury, A° VIII" h VI'.

(1)
At the reuerence of Seynt Margarete

My purpos is hir lyfe to compile ;

Though I haue no Eethorikes swete

Nor colour noon tenbelisshe with my style

Yet dar I seyn, it happeth so somen while, 5

Vnder writyng rude of apparence

Plater is hid of grete intellygence. 7

(2)
Ful ofte falleth, in this Chestys blake

Gold and perlys and stones of grete prys

361 avou-e] H V. above L. 364 entent V.

MSS. Bishop Cosin's Library, Durliam V, VII, 14, leaves 97, back,
to 106, back =: D ; Bodley 686, leaves 193, back, to 200, back = H ;
Univ. Lib. Camb. LI. 5, IS, leaves "29, back, to 41, back = L ;
B.M. Harley 367, leaves 80 to 8-3, back = H. Title: Here

begynythe the lytf of \>e holy virgine k martyr Seynt Margarete
(by John Lydgate, monk of Bury, added in late hand), L. B and
H folio u: D. H ends, in the .8. yere of kynge henry the .6. (written
with John Stowes owne hand, added in a XVII C. hand). Itun-
ning title in B, The lyfe of Seynt Margarete. 3 Retreke L. 5
some H B, sum L. 8 yt happythe L. this] am. L. 9 a7id

stones] am. L.

I fnirpose
to write St.
Margaiet's
life.

174

The Legend of Scynt Margarcte.

A royal
ruby may
be in a poor
sack.

So I will
try my best.

Ben ylooke and into warde ytake ;

And by sentence and the prudent avys
Of philosoffres, that holden were so wys,

A Eoyal Ruby in whiche ther is no lak,

May closed ben in a ful pore sak.

(3)

And though that I haue noon eloquence
For to discryue hir parfit holynesse

Hir chaste lyf, liir tendre Innocence.

Hir martirdam wrought by grete duresse,-
Ay vnniutable in hir stablenesse,

Yn-to the dethe ay one in hir suffraunce,

So was hir herte roted on constaunce.

12
14

19
21

Slie loved
Christ.

Margaret
she was by
name and
by nature.

White of
chastity.

In Crystes feith slie gan hir so delyte,

For whom she lyste despyse al worldly glorye,

This daysye, with leves rede and wliite,
Purpul hewed, as niaked is memorye,
Whan that hir blode was shad oute by victorye, [leaf 98]

The chaste lely of whos maydenhede

Thorugh niartyrdam was spreynt witli roses rede.

25

28

(5)
Margarete, the storye dothe liir calle,

After a stone ynamed Margarite,
A precyous gemme amonge these stones alle,

In there bokes as clerkys liste to write ;

For of nature perlys echone ben wliite,
Right vertuous of kynde, rounde and small —
Whiche propurtees reseihblen hir at alle.

She was first white by virginyte,
In al liir lyvyng preuyde vertuous;

33

35

10 take L. 11 ami] of L. ad vys {sic) R. 12 holden]

ovi. L. 13 ther] om. L. 14 Be Closed L. 15 that] oin. L.
17 tciidre] om. L. 20 on om. L. 21 rote L. 23 For whiche
slie dispysed L. 24 daysye] B H. dasye B. 25 made H L. 26
that] om. L. 28 Thorugh] With L. rose B. 30 named L H.

31 fe B. om. L. 34 Thorowe vertue L. 35 resemblithe L.

rcsembleth H. in all L. at al B.

The Legend of Seynt Marefaretc.

175

/

Ami smal she was l)y liuiiiylite ;

Riglit strong in God, tliis niaide glorious;

.Villi for she was thurgh deth victory ous,
Thurgli liir triuniphe she gate the palme in heiiene,
"Witli hiurei'' crowned above the sterres seuene.

(')
Tliis stone in vertu is a cordyal,

To the spirit a grete confortatyf ;
Kight so hir lierte was impe/'val

I niene, in vertu duryiig al liir lyf ;

For slie venquosshod with al hir mortal stryf
Tlie deuel, the worlde, lier storye dothe devyse,
And of hir flesshe she made a sacryiice

Small by
liuniility,

40

42 *n'' vic-
torious.

47

49

Like a jiearl,
she was a
comfiiit to
the health
of man.

(S)
Vnto the lorde, that starf vpon the rode,

"Whan he liste deye for oure redempcyou?i ;
So this virgine, taquyte him, shad hir blode

Ful benygnely in her passyoun.

0 ge??mie of ge?«mes, vyrgyfi of most renoun,
Tliy lif to Avrite be thou my socoure.
And shede of grace the aureat lycoure

(9)
In-to my penne, quakyng of veriay drede,

Of retoryke for I haue no muse
Duely to write this martirdom : in dede, ['.ear 98, back]

Xe were oo thyng, I wolde me excuse, —

That thou of grace wylt me not refuse
But dyrectyn, 0 blysful lode-sterre,
Me and my penne to conveye, wliau I erre.

53

56

61

O gem of
gems, help
me to write

for I am
afraid.

Kefuse me
not.

63

(10)

Lat tin lyght in derkenesse be my guyde

Tochyng this processe whiche I haue vnder-take.

41 the] liyr L. 42 lauiell L. 47 mth a/] 1'.. withal D.

with all H. witA L. 50 vppon a crosse L (see 1. 52). 51 him
list to sve L. 52 And for liym shed hyr blnde Rede as lioos L.

53 pacieiily L. 56 l-i;; L. 57 o/] for B L. 61 will ]>.

wok B. 62 directen B H. direct L. 63 My penne and me L.

176

Tlie Legend of Seynt Margarete.

Remember, Eemembre, 0 virgyne, vpon that other side
patroness, Ou hir that caused, oonly for thi sake,

Thyn holy lyf me to compile and make, —
LadyMarch, My lady Marclie I mene, whiche of entent
Yafe firste to me in co?nmaundeinent

68
70

who asked
me to write
thy legend
out of
French and
liatin.

Born in
Antioch,

baptized

very young.

(11)

That I shulde considre welle and see y''

In Frensshe and Latyne thyn holy passyonn,

Thi marLirdam and thi virginite,
And thereof make a compilacyoun ;
So, as I covvde, vnder correccioun,

And vnder supporte of alle that shal it rede,

Vpon this storye thus I wylle procede.

70

77

Here endeth the prolog of Seynt Margarets, and next
folwyng begynneth the storye of hir.

(12)
In Antliiochye, a famous grete Citee,

This blyssed mayde, this martir gloryous
Whilom was born, hire legende ye may see, —

Hir fader callid Theodosius ;

And as the storye playnly telleth vs, 82

A patryark he was of Paynyni lawes
After the ryghtes vsed in tho dawes. 84

(13)

To a Noryce this mayde was ytake,
Right gracious of shape and of visage :

The Paynym lawe of herte she hath forsake

And was baptised in hir tendre age, [leafoo]

For whiche hir fader gan fallen in a rage 89

And to hir-ward bare ful grete haterede,

Whan that he knewe she crystened was in dede. 91

68 me] om. L. 69 whiche of] of gooile L. 70 AVliiclie gatf
me L. 72 thy lyfte ))i passion L. 74 to make a Contempal-

cion. 77 will I L. Title : B as in D. of hir] om. B. Here

endeth the prologe H. No break in L. 78 Antioche B H L.

79 blissedfull L (sic!). 80 iegendc] begynnynge L. 81 callid
was ins. L. 84 Right L. 85 Vnto L. take L. 87 of] in L.
90 Mr] L. 91 that] om. L.

The Lajcnd of Seynt Margaretc. VI*l

And whan that she by processe deJe atteync when she

T-r , ,, . ^ was llfteen,

V nto the Age of xv. yere,

With othir niaydnes of beaute souereyne,

This holy virgyne, benygne and glad of chere,
Flouryug iti vertii, moste goodly and entore, 96

Humble of hir porte, this gracyous creature

lvei)te of hir Xoryce the shepe in theire pasture. 98 si'ekei.t

^ sheeji.

(15)

Devoyde of pride, of rancour and uf Ire,
She called was a niirrour of mekenesse,

The Holy Gost hir herte so dede enspire-

That wille and thought were sette on pa?'fitnesse,

To thynke on Crista was holy hir gladnesse, 103

And chere benygne to alle she dede shewe,

Softe of hir speche, and but of wordys fewe. 105

(16)
She gat hir love vpofi euery syde. Everyone

p " , . , loveil her.

hy cause she was so inly vertuous, —
For God and grace with hir dide abide —
Al thyng eschewyng that was vyciotis ; —
Til that the Prefette, called Olibrius, Prefectus no wq oiibriusthe

' niie Olibnus prefect

Of auenture rode on his pleyng,

"Where he sawe first this mayde, hir shepe kepyng. 112

(17)
He was rauesshede anoofi with hir beaute, was ravished

witli licr

Hir grete fairnesse whan he dide aduerte, beauty,

Hir fresshe face eke whan lie dide see ;
Hir heuenly lyen perced thurgh his herte,
Brent in his corage with importable smerte : 117

This cruel wolfe, for love inpacyent,

Cast him devowre this cely Innocent. 119

92 whan b\' proces she L. 96 covfused with 97 in H, ends

niooste gracious creature, tlioi I. 98 was started and scratched, and
97 written corrccth/, etc. 99 Voyile L. of (I)] om. L. 100 a]
am. L. 102 Hyr will L. 103 Jioly] B H. o?/t. L. 104

benvngne chere L. 105 but] om. L. 108 dyde withiune L.

lll"Of Enteut L. 112 AVher tyrste he L. hir] om. L. 113 He
was anon L. 115/«a'] niayde {inserted above the line) L. hir

see ins. B. 116 pished There was hys herte L. 119 to

Devoure L.

LYUGATE, M. P. N

178

TJie Legend of Scynt Mar gar etc.

and asked
himself:
" Wlio can
this be,

that has so

captured

me?"

He sent his
servants to
learn who
slie was :

resolved to
marry her,

or make
her his con-
cubine.

She was

brought to
him.

(18)
Firste to liim-self thus he ?pake and sayde : [leafoo, bk.]

" Wliat i.s slie this, where dotlie tliis goodely duelle 1
Who saw ever to-forfi so faire a maide,

Whiche alle othir in beaute dothe excelle ?

Of wommanhede she is the verray welle ; 124

For me semeth myn herte in eiiery weyne
Is thurgh perced with liir lyeii tweyne." 126

(19)

And with that thouglit he made for to gone
His seruauntes to hir Innocence,

Bad thei sliolde enquere of hir anoon,
Wliat that she was, Avith al hir diligence.
And reporte vnto his presence 131

Of hir lynage playnly how it stode

And where she were born of gentil blode; 133

(20)
" And of hir birthe if tliat she be fre,

I wille hir haue sothly to my wyfe,
Loue and cherysshe for hir grete beante.

As it is skyle, duryng al my lyfe,

That atwene vs ther shal be no stryfe ; 138

And if she be born of foreyne lyne,
I wille hir take to my concubyue." 140

(21)
Whan she was brought vnto his presence.

First he enquerede of hir coudicyoun,'
Bad hir declare platly in sentence

Of hir lawe and hir religioun,

And of hir kyn, by short conclusyonn, 145

Clerly dyscure, and the trouthe attame,
Hooly hir purpos, and what was hir name. 147

120 thus] om. L. 123 all other excelle tr. L. 124 wemen L.
125 v?i] -Kith L. 126 /or] om. L. 129 And bad ins. L. ofhir^
om. L. 133 ivherc] if L. gentle H. gentile B. Gentyll L. 135
haue hyre vnto L. 136 hire for hyr Beautie L. 138 ther] ovi.
L. 139 fureync] sory (sic !) L. 140 haue BL. conbyne {sic) H.

141 to "L. 142o/]om. L. 142 And bade L. 146 Truly to

L. atteyne B.

TJic Lcijend of Scynt Marffao'cte.

17!)

(22)

Slie, not to Ftckel for noon hastynesse,
But ful demure and sobre of contenaunce,

Gan looke on him, by grete avisenesse,

Dressyng to God hir hertes remembraunce,

Of chere nor colour ther was no variauuce; iieafioo] 152

Constaiuit of herte, this lioly blyssed mayde

To the Prefecte euene tlius slie saide : 154

(23)
" Touchynge my lynage, by successyoun

^ly bloide conveied is fro grete noblesse,
My name Margarete; and of religioun

I am cristen , in verray sothfastnesse ;

And in that lawe, -with-oute doublenesse, 159

For lyf or dethe playnly I Aville abide,
Perseuere stable, and varien on no side." 161

She, not
rashly, but
(leniurcly

answered
)iim witli
constant
lieart :

" I am Mar-
paret, a
Christian,
to live or
<lic in that
faith."

(24)

Wlier-of the luge in manere gan disdeyne,
To hir saide, for short conclusiouii, —

" ^Margarete, ther ben thinges tweyne
Ful couenable to thi condicyoun :
And tliis the first, to myn oppiniouw,

Of tlii byrthe the grete nobilite,

And the seconde is thi grete beaute,

166

168

Tlie judge
said :

"Thy nu-
bility and
beauty

(25)
" Whic'he in tlii persone loyned ben y-f<.Mv,

"NVorthi to be called a Margarite,
Of fairencsse of shape and eke of chere,

A chose gemme among these perles white;

And in this tweyne for I me delite,
Sewyng my counsaille thou mustest condiscende
Better avysed the thride to amende.

173

175

make it well
for tliee not

148 She was ins. L. 149 with sobre L. 152 ther'i om. L.

154 And to iiis. L. 156 was L. iiobleuesse B. 157 naine ys

i7is. L. 158 cristenedBL. 161 vcrrey L. 162 dyde L.

166 to] ill L. 171 feirenesse B. fayrenese H. fairenes L. 172
A] And J^ 173 ticcyne] om. L. I mene B. 174 must H.

niaist L. iiiy3test B. condiieende L.

N 2

180

The Legend of Scynt Margarcte.

to believe
on a cruci-
tied man."

" tt is tnie,
said slie,

"He died
for us."

(26)

" To tin beaute it were a ful grete loos,
To tlii youthe and to thi maydenhede,

To lave on him that deied on a croos,

I hoLie it foly ; wherfore take goode hede,

For-sake his feithe, and do as I the rede; 180

First lat that God of the be denyed

Which on a tre was hange and crucified." 182

(27)

" Certes," q?wd she, " what euer that thou seye.
He wilfully suffred passioun, , [leanoo, bade]

And humbely liste for maukynde deye
And sched his blode for oure redempcioun
To make vs fre, and payen oure raunsoun, 187

Of his loye that we ne sholde mysse

Where now he regneth eternaly in blysse." 189

Tlie judge
sent lier to
prison.

(28)

/

The luge, wrothe, sent hir to prisoun-.

There to abide tille on the next day,
JNIakyng as thoo, no dilacioun,

Bad she sholde in al the haste thei may

Be brought aforii him, to seyn yee or nay 194

Touchyng hir creaunce, what was hir lawe or feithe ;
And to hir evenne thus he seithe : 196

Next day
he bade lier
to spare
herself,

and recant.

(29) ^

" Margarete," q?iod he, " haue pite on thyne age,
And haue eke mercy on thi grete fairnesse.

Spille not thi thought of foly ne of rage,
But tourii thyn herte, and thi wittes dresse
To our goddes, and do thi besynesse

Hem to honour and plese her deyete,

As thou desirest to lyue in prosperite."

201
203

178 beleve B b. 182 /(n/f^'-] H. lionged B. hangyd L. 183
that] om. L. 184 hys passion L. 185 to dye L. 187 maken
B. he payd L. 188 sliuld nat L H. 189 eternal B. 191 nex
{sic !) L. 194 Ather yee or nay L. 196 Evyn to hyr ]>us ye

iuge L. 198 And] om. L.

The Lqicnd of Scynt Maryarde.

l<sl

(30)
Q?/od she ageyn : " witli liert, wille and tliouglite

I worship him vcrraylj' in dede
That made man, and after liath liim bouglit,

Wliom ]ieuene and ertlie and the see dothe drede.

A lie elementes he dothe conveie and lede,
For wynde, nor weder, nor no creature
AVith-oute his mercy may iio while endure."

Slie refused

" I worship
the Al-
20S mighly."

210

(31)

Qwod the luge : " Anoon but thou consente
To my desire as thou hast herde devyse,

Truste fully that thou shalt repente.
For first I shal in ful cruel wyse
Mercyles thy body so chastyse, —

Trust me welle, this no feyned tale, —

Thi flesshe assonder kerve on peces smale."

[leaf 101]

The ju'lge
thre«tene(l
215 lier,

217

(32)

Qwod ^largarete, " while that me lastethe brethe,
I shal abide in this oppiniou??.

Sytthe Criste for me suffred peyne and dethe.
Shad al his blode for my redempcyoun, ^
So for his sake, of hole affeccyoun,

Be assured that I haue no drede

To deye for him, and al my blode to shede."

222

224

but she
persisted

(33)

The luge thanne vpon a galowe tre
Lete hangen vp this holy jiure viigyne,

Hir flesshe be rente in his cruelte,

Whos blode ran doun right as eny lyne ;
Lyke a quyke this maiden in her pyne

Shad oute hir blode, hir veynes al to-rent,

Til of hir body the lycour was al spent.

229

231

and was
hanged,

and her flesli
torn in
pieces.

206 haue L. 210 wit/i outyn L. no ■while'] om. L. 211 hut
})ou anon B L. 216 ]>\s is B L. 217 sljall be levtt into L.

218 that] om. L. 219 will L. 224 to] om. B L. 226 honge L.
hongen B. 227 be] H. he L. to rent B. 229 Ay lyke

gwyke L. })e maide B. alwey in ins. L. 231 al spent] I spent L.

182

The Legend of Seynt Margaretc.

Tlie by-
standers
begged her

to recant,
for pity.

But she

refused,

(34)

Alias the while ! thei that stode beside,
Full sore wepten of compassyoun ;

Alias ! for doole ! thei myght vnnethe abide
To sene hir blode so renne and rayle doufi ^
So importable was hir passyoun / 236

For Cristes feithe, that the peple abraide

And of pite thus to hir thei saide : 238

(35)

"0 Margareta, alias, whan we take hede
Hou thou whilom were faireste vn-to see,

But now, alias ! thi body is al rede,

Steyned with blode, whereof we ban pite,

Alias ! alias ! hou myght it euere be 243

To sene a mayde yonge, fresshe, and tendre of age

Mighty to endure of tourment suche arage 1 245

(30)
" Whi hast thou lost thyn excellent fairenesse,

Whi hast thou lost this shape and thy beaute 1
And fynal cause of thi mortal distresse [leaf loi, back]

Is thi wilful incredulite.

Lete fantasies out of thyn herte fie 250

Now at the last, that thou maist in eese
Of thy turment tlie bitternesse appese." 252

(37)
Qwod she : "Goth hens, ye fals counsaylirys,

Ye worlde pcple, vnsad and euer vntrewe,
Flesshely, chaungeable, and in youre desirys

Delityng euere in thinges that be newe ;

Amonge remembreth — and wolde God ye knewe — 257
That of my flesshe the mortal tourmentrie
Is to my soule chief salve and remedie." 259

232 quod })ei ins. L. 233 And ful ins. L. with grete L.

237 that] k L. 239 0] ovi. L. 241 but nowe All tin body

lokethe Rede L. 244 freshe youge tendre L. 245 Mighf.y]

Strong L. of torment to endure H 248 wofull L. 249 ]>in

owne L. incrudelite B. 250 Lete ]>\ ins. L. 251 atte last R.

fynd ease L. 252 to appease L. have pese B. 254 worldly
H L. worldles B. cuer] o)n. L. euer vusad H. 256 cere]

om. L. 258 of my Jlesshe] all L.

TJic Lcffcnd of Scynt Manjaretc.

183

(38)
And to the luge thus she saiJe and spake :

" 0 gredy hoii^de, lyoun insaciahle,
On my body thou maiste welle taken wrake,

But the soule shal pe?*seuere stable,

For Cristes feith abiden immutable. 264

For thilke lorde Crist Iliesu, whom I serve,
From al mischief my spirit shal preserve," 266

(39)
The luge, confuse sittyng in the place,

To beholde mvght not sustene
The rede blode rayle aboute hir face,

Like a ryver rennyng on the grene ;

Toke his mantel in his mortal tene, 271

Hid his visage, whanne that he toke hede
In herte astoned to sene hir sydes bledo. 273

(40)
Made hir in hast to be taken doun

]\ryd of hir peyne cruel and horrible,
And efte ageyne putte hir in prisoun,

Where she prayde, — if it were possible,

Hir mortal foo, dredful and odible, 278

The lorde besechvnge that she ravjrht him see,
Whiche cause was of her aduersite, [ieano2] 280

(41)
Hir impugnynge tliurgli his mortal fight

That man first brought to distruccyouirr
And sodeynly appered in hir sight,

Where as she lay boundeii in prisoun,

In the lykenesse of a felle dragoun 285

The olde serpent, whiche called is Sathan,
And hastyly to assayle her he began ; 287

anil rfil)iil<pil
tilt! judge.

Tliojmlf^e,
in cuiifii.sioi]

liad lier
taken down,

and put in
])ri.son,
where slie
asked the
Lord to
sliow her
lier foe.

A preat
dragon,
iSattin,

260 thus] om. L. 261 !yonn] om. L. 262 urUe] om. L.

263 But yet my L. 265-6 For Criste Icsu ])at lord will prf'serue,
Hem ])at will hym lone And with goode will senie L. 267 Con-

fused L. 263 hir lie ins. L. ~ 269 The blode Ranne downe L.

271 He toke L. . 272 that] om. L. 273 he stounyde L. 276
efte] lete L. 277 There L. 278 fro ])at y.s moost terrible L.

279 r/w] Hir L. 280 was cause of all L. 281 Impovgnyng b.
282 brought first L. 285 foule L. 286 l^e whiche ys L.

287 assoile {sic) B. Hyr to assayle hastely L.

184

The Legend of Scynt Margarete.

with open

IllOUtl),

swallowed
her,

but she
crossed her-
self, and
came out of
his middle.

(42)

With open moutlie, the virgyne to deuour,
First of alle, he swohved in hir hede,

And she deuoutly, hirself to socoure,
Gan crosse hirself, in liir mortal drede ;
And by grace, anoone or she toke hede,

The horrible beste, in relees of hir peyne.

Blast assondre, and partyd was on tweyne.

292
294

Then as a
man lie
assalltd lur,

but was
conquered ;

and aiked
her to cease.

(43)

And efte ageyne to assayl hir lie began,

The story seitli, and after dothe appcerc
By gret disceit in lykenesse of a man ;

And she deuoutly, Avith hir yen clere

Lyfte vp to God, gan maken hir prayere. 299

And as she lay in hir orisou?/,
Vnder hir fete lyggyng the dragou?«, 301

The deuel, venquysshed, toke hir by the honde.

Spake thes wordes, as I shal devyse :
" Thou hast me Ijounde with invisible bonde,

Whiche victorie ought ynogh suffice !

Cese of thy power, and lat me now aryse, 306

For I may not abideu thi constreynt.
In this batayle thou hast me made so feynt." 308

She cast him
down,

(45)

And she aroos with-oute fere or drede,
This cely ma[i]de, this tendre creature,

By grace of God hent him by the hede

And cast him doun, for al his felle armure, [leaf 102, hack]
Vnder hir fete — he myght[e] not recure ; 313

And on this serpent for to do more wrake,
put her foot Hir ryght fote she sette upon his bake. 315

on his head,

291 in hir] v,-ith L. 292 anoon by grace H. or] om. L. 294
In sondre L. 295 assoyle B. 299 k made L. 305 The

victory L. oght y not B (sjcI). I aught not to L. 30" thi] )>i.s B.
308 made me L. 309 She Rose L. or eny i-ns. L. 3V2 felle]
om. L. 314 And for J)e serpent shuld do no more wrake L.

The Legend of Scynt Margaretc. 185

(46)

" Oo foende:' aiuA .slio, ''^f inalysc serpontvne, anduuntea

EeiiK'Hibre of tlie how I liauo victorye,

A cleno mayde, by powere feiiiynyiie,

Whiclie shall be rad to myu encrees of glorye,
Perpetuelly putte eke in iiiemorie, 320

lldw a mayde hath put vnder fote

Sathaii, that is of synne crope and rooto." 322

(•47)
AVith that the serpent lowde gan to crie,

" Thou hast me brought shortly to vttraunce, Tiie Fiend

, , _ *" . , acknow-

I am vernlquyssliod, I may it not denye, ledg^d the

Ageyns tlie ful feble is my puyssaunce,
Thyn Innocence hatli brought mc to myschaunce, 327

And a mayde, but of yeeres tendre,

Hath me outrayod Avith hir ly»/mes sklendre. 329

(48)

" Yif that a man, wiiicho had force and myght, and wished

Had me venqnysshed, I myght it welle sustene ; a man that

But now, alias, ageyn al skele and ryght, queredhiiu.

A cely virgyne, a mayde pure and cleue,
Hath me bore down in al my felle tene ; 334

And this, alias, bothe at eve and morowe

Is grettest cause of my dedly sorowe. 336

(49)
" This encreseth grete pa/-ty of my peyne,

Whan I consydre with-ynne my-self and see
How thi fader and moder bothe tweyne

Were in their tyme friendly vnto me ;

But thou allone, thiu-gh thy virginite, 341

Thi chast[e] lyf, thy parfyt holynesse
Han me venquysshed and outrayed in distress.'*' 343

316 \u ma]ti((S {word defaced) L. o/] o B. 3] 7 f/] or,i. B.

howe I haue of \c the L. 318 by] of L. 319 The whiche L.
of} and B. to my glory L, 320 eke pute L. 321 haue L.
322 of syn ]>at y& bothe L. 323 begau lowde H. to'] oin. L.

324 slwrtUj, etc.] to grete noyannce L. 325 I am oucrcome L.

328 yhere. 330 hathe L. "hath H. 331 oucrcome L. 333 As
eny vcrgine L. 334 in al] in all B H L. Horstmann reads in-til
here. 335 thus H. alas at euene i at morowe L. 336 This
ys the Chietf of myn endles sorowe L. 338 ivith ynne] am. L.

342 chaste B L. 343 oucrcome & pute L.

186

The Legend of Seynt Margaretc.

She asked
him how he

attacked
man.

(50)

Wliau she bigan the serpent to coiistreyne [leaf 103)
To discure, and no tliinge to hyde

By what mene and what mane?"e treyne,

Outher by malys, outher by envye and pryde

That he assailed man on any syde. 348

"The kynde of man, telle on anoon," qMod she,

" And be welle ware thou lye nat to me." 350

He said,
by lies

and envy,

(51)

" Sothely," qzwJ he, " I may iT not denye, —
To seyn the trouthe playnly, and not spare,

My nature is of custume for to lye,

As I that am of trouthe and vertue bare,
Lyggynge awayte ayenste the welfare

Of folkes goode, and alway envyous

To alle tliat ben parfite and vertuous.

355
357

(52)
" Naturelly to hem I haue envye,

Though thei thurgh vertu me ofte put al)ak.
And whan it falleth thei haue of me mastrie,

Ageyn to me resorteth al the wrak ;

Of charite I haue so grete a lak.
So grete sorowe only for lak of grace
That man in heuene sholde occupye my place.

3G2
3G4

though he
cowld never
again win
heaven.

(5.3)

" Yet, wote I welle, I may it not recure.
Nor in that place shal I neuer abide,

But in helle sorowe and peyne endure,
From heuene caste for my grete pryde —
This foule vice fro thennes was my guyde,

Yet of malys, thye trouthe for to telle,

Envye I haue that man tlier sholde duelle.

369

171

344 Than L. 346 man??- of L. 347 Or by malice envye or
pride L. 348 asseylythe on eucry L. 349 atioon nowe L.

350 unto H. 352 playnly'] om. L. nat to ins. L.

ins. B. 358 to hem] om. L.
abake L. 360 ^af. ^ai L.

shiilde her B.

354 and of
359 ])at I by vertue am pute ofte
367 ten'hue B. 371 shall L.

The Leficnd of Seynt Mnnjarctc. 187

(54)
" This eke troutlie tluit whilom Salanion, Solomon

As hookes olde recordeii and coiichido,
Closed in a vesselle fendos many oil fiot aii the

lletiils in li

And of spiritus a grete multitude, 375 vessel onte

Whiche Innocentes ful often can delude; [leafios, backi

But after dethe of that prudent kynge

Fro that vessel thei caste out fire sparklynge. 378

(55)
"Men supposyng in theire oppinioun ^

There was closed grete tresour and rychesse,
Brak the vessel of entencyoun, "^ but men

broke it,

And sodeynly the fendes gan hem dresse

Oute of that holde fer fro that distresse, 383 an<i tiiey go

out again.

At her oute-goyng enfectyng al thayre,

Where thei abidefi and haue theire repaire ; 385

(56)
" Which to mankynde do ful grete damage

By their malys and ther temptacions,
To olde and yonge and euery niane?'e age,

By ther conspired fals illusyou^is ;

But fynally all ther collusyons '' 390

Goth vnto nought, and al ther violence,
Whan ther is made myghty resistencc." 392

(57)
Whan the serpent malicyous and olde

To the mayde, whos fote dede him oppresse,
Had his processe and his tale tolde,

She with-drowe to done him more duresse ; siieietiiim

^ go. tlien.

And the dragouw upwarde gan him dresse, 397

Disapered, and fortli Ids wey is goo ;
And she, assured of hir gostly foo, 399

372 This ys als so tiewglit L. 375 spirites H H L. 377 for
J)e dethe L. after the ins. B. 380 and] of L. 384 effectyng L.
))e evre B L H. 385 ]>cr yete ins. L. 386 is to ins. H. to

fill H. do to L. 387 ther (1)] om. L. 388 all manor of age L.
390 conclusiouns L. 391 Gone to wrake L. 395 tall I tolde
(sic) L. 396 Sheweth draweth (sic) B. 397 gan him vpward L.
393-9 gone, fone L.

188

The Legend of Seynt Margnrctc.

Next day
slie was
broiiylit
before tl e
iudge,

stripjied
nakeii ,

"burnt with
brands.

cast in boil-
ing water.

(58)
Wenqnysshed hath the prynce of al derkenesse,

And sitthe she hathe ouercome the hede,
It faylethe iiat she nedes nioste oppresse

His cruel mynystre, and haue of liim no drede.

And sewyng on, this floure of goodelyhede 40-1-

The next[e] day, voyde of all refuge
Save of the lorde, was brought afore the Inge, 406

(59)
Fill nioche j^eple Ijeyng in presence.

And for she wolde do no sacryfice [leaf i04]

The fals goddes, by mortal violence

She Avas dispoiled in ful cruel wyse

And naked stode, that folke myght hir despise ; 411
And after tliat this ge?nme of niaydenhede
Was brent \\\i\\ brondus bright as eny glede, 413

(60)
Hir sydes skorched, whilom white as melke,

Tlie cruel mynystres liste hir nat to spare,
For Crystes sake, hir body, softe a§ selke,

Mercyles, naked stode and bare ;

And to avnient and encrese hir care, 418

In boylyng Avater she was caste and bounde,
Tiie [wawys burblyng] [witli holies grete & round]. 420

(61)
The folkes alle, that stonden envirou?ze

Of doo[ljful pite, that sawe this auenture,
Gan wepe and pleyne, and of compassyoim ^

Merueyled sore a tendre creature

Sustene myght suche tourment and endure; 425

For the tyraunt, to make liir peynes straunge,

In fire and water gan hir tourment change. 427

400 hatlie slie ins. L. al'] om. B. 402 moost iieddcs (sic) L.
403 ministres L. hem in no died L. 404 07i] of L. 405 de-
voyde L. 406 sane only our L. 407 was L. 409 The] Too L.
413 bright] lyc,'ht L. 414 skoikled B. as white as eny L. white
as eny H. u-hilom] om. L. 415 hir] om. L. 417 stode all

bare L. 418 avgement B. And fortherinore to Enciesse L.

419 was she L. 420 The water Mowyng D H, rest lacking. B has :
)<e watter boilyng with bollys grete & rounde. L reads : The wawys
burbyllyrig bothe large and Rounde. 421 stoden B. stode L.
422 doofiil D. 424 sore] pat so L. 426 to make hyr strong

(sic !) L. 427 In] Fro L.

The Legend of Seynt Margarete.

(62)

And sodeynly tliere tille an erthe-quave.

The people, in Jrede, denipte it was ven^eannco ;

And fyve thousand, for God wolde liem save,
Conuerted weren from there niyscreaunce,
For Cristes sake heveded by vengeaunoe, — 432

Se how a mayde in al hir tournientrie

The feith of Crist coude magnitie. 434

(63)
The blynde luge, all voyde of happe and grace,

Last that othre conuerted wolde be
To Cristes feith, witliuute lenger space

Conimaunded hatli that this mayde fre,

In youth flourynge and virginite.
To ben heueded, withoute more tarying, (leaf i04, back]
In hir praier as she lay knelynge. 441

189

An cartli-
qiiakc cniiic
oil.

Then tlie
judge

commanded
that slie lie
439 Ijeheaded.

(64)
But first she praied of humble atieccyou«

To the luge, to graunten hir leysere
That she myght make hir orisoun,

And haue a space to lyue in hir praiere.

And ful deuoutly with hert hole and entere
Vpon the poynte when she sholde deye.
The blessed virgyne thus bygan to preye.

(65)

First she praide of parfite charite

For hir enemys and hir tourmentours,

For hem that caused hir aduersite

And had liir pursued with mony sharpe shours,
Of parfit loue she gadrid oute the flours,

Praying also for thoo folkes alle

That after helpe vnto hir grace calle.

453

455

42S fill:] was I,. 435 all] om. L. 437 within a lytyll L.

433 luaydyn L. 440 be kteheded H L. wzt/«outyn L. more]

om. L. 441 satt L. 445 h/uc] lyen B. be L. 448 gane

pra\e L. ^fargi)lofB•. Prima oracio ipsius pcrsecutoribws. 449
in L. 450 hir] also L. 451 all hyr L. 453 oiitc] om. L.
454 thoo] the B. 455 wolJe calle L. Margin of B : Necnon at

pro eius memoria;n agentibus et se inuocantibus.

She praved
first

446
448

pWm6 orauit
\<ro suis \ier-
secutoribus.

for lier tor-
mentors,

and tliose
who should
praj- in her
name.

190

The Lrgcnd of Scynt MaTfjarete.

especially
women in
travail,

tliat they
jierish not.

Then a voice
from heaven
told her the
prayer was
gianted.

Peticio & per

eius nieiiio-
riani agenti-
b«.s' iSi se
i/uiocanti-
biis.

460
462

Etiav/i de-
note orauit
ad deu HI ut
quecurtque
in partu
j'tt/'ielitans
se i)inocauit

(66)

And for alle thoo that liaue hir in memorie,
And swiche as truste in hir lielpe at nede ;

That God hem graunte, sittinge in his glorie,
Of liis grace that thei may welle spede,
And ageyn right that no man hem myslede,

"And, lorde," qwod she, "to alle he soconre

That for thi sake done to me honoure.

(67)
" And specyally to the I heseche

To alle wy?nmen whiche of childe trauayle,
For my sake, oo lorde, be thou her leche,

Lat my prayere vn-to hem availe,

Suffre no myschief tho wy/«men, lorde, assaile. lem^^inlttet.
That calle to me for helpe in theire greuaunce.
But for my sake save hem fro myschaunce. 469

(68)
" Lat hem, lorde, not perisshe in theire childynge.

Be thou her comforte and consolacyoun,
To be deliue^'ed tliurgh grace of thyn helpynge, leaiiooj

Socoure hem, lorde, in theire tribulacyoun.

This is my praier, this is myn orisoun, 474

And specially do alle folkes grace
That calle to me for helpe in any place ! " 476

(69)
And fro that high[e] heuenly mansyou7i

Was herde,a voys in oj)en audience
That God had herde hir peticioun,/^^

To be parfourmed Avith-oute resistence.

And than this niaide, nioste of excellence, 481

Roos vp deuoutly, and no tliynge afferde
Seide vnto him whiche that helde the swerde : 483

459 thci] om. B. 461 to all hem pu be L. 462 to me don B.
do me L. Margin of B : Etiam denote orauit ad deum vt quicum-
qwc in pcrtu jxriclitans se inuocaiet ille sani prolem emitteret.
463 to the] also L. 464 \iat vfith Cliildryn prcuaile [sic) L. 466
to L. 467 tho] to B. tho wi/in/ncu, lorde] licm L. 470 lorck]
om.li. perissh, lorde, f<c. B. Childe berynge L. A72 grace of]
om. L. 473 theire] om. L. 474 this ix] k L. 475 do] to H.
suche folke L. 476 As callyu L. 477 hyghe B L H. 483

whiche] 07)i. L. hilde B H.

The Legend of Seynt Men-yecrefe. 191

(70)

" Come iiere," quod she, " iiiyii ouiie brotlier dere, Then she

Sniyte -witli tlie swerde, aiul loke thou spare uonght. beheaded.

^ly body shal behynde abidefi Irto,

Hut mv soule to lieuene sliall bn hrou''ht."

Her liede enclynynge with an humble tliouglit ; 488

Tlie myiiystre with al his myght and peyne

Lefte vp his swerde and smote liir necke on tweyne. 490

("1)
'Die peple of pile gau to crie and soun

That stode and sawe hir bitter passioun ;
Of martirdam thus she toke the croun[e]

For Cristes feithe, with hole atfeccyoun.

Tlirettene kalendes, the boke maketh mencyou?i, 495 she suffered
Of lul tliis niaide, a merour of constaunce,
Was laureat thurgli hir \^nr^it puifraunce. 497

on June 10.

(72)
An holy seynt writeth oi this maide, and seithe : a holy saint

"This Margareta, pa;-fyt of hir creaunce,
With drede of God nioste stable in hir feythe,

Vn-to the deth hauyng perseueraunce

Sette hoole to God with tliought ;ind renienibrauiice, 502
In herte ay compunt, she was so vertuous, "She was

Euery-thing eschewyng that Avas vicious, [leaf los, back] 504 ^'"®*^'"

(73)
"Hir blyssed lyf, hir oonuer.-acioun'' , •

Were example of pa?'fite pacience,
Of grounded clennesse and of religioun,

Of chastite founded on prudence ;

God gaf to hir souerayn excellence 509

In hir tyine that she shulde be an example

To all a maisterasse of virginite. 511 luatdens.

484 ouiic] om. L. 485 lokc tho^c] om. L. 486 I .sliall leve

behynd L. 488 She Enclyned L. 489 mayne L. 490 his]
the L. 491 of] for L. to] om. L. 491, 493 sowne, crowne

B H. swowne, crowne L. 492 his B. 495 xxx" lekcs L.

496 maidc, a] om. L. 497 hir] om. L. 498 of this maidc]

om. L. 503 coiiipuDctylf slie was victoiious L. !MS. L cmis

1. 511.

192

The Legend of Seynt Margarete.

She forsook
all for
Christ."

Ladies,
call upon St.
Margaret,

in trouble
and disease.

Blessed
virgin,

set thy serv-
ants at ease.

(74)

" Hir fadir, modir, lur kynred she forsoke,
Hir holy lyuynge was to liem odious,

To Cristes lawe al holy she hir toke,
This blissed mayde, this virgin glorious,
Of alls hir enemyes she was victorious,

Til at the laste, iu vertu coniplet goode,

For Cristes sake she shad hir chaste bloode."

Explicit vita scmcfe IMargarete.

Lenvoj'.

(75)
Noble princesses and ladyes of estate,

And gentilwomen lower of degre,
Lefte vp your hertes, calle to your aduocate

Seynt ]\Iargarete, gemme of chastite.

And alle wy?«men that haue necessite,
Praye this niayde ageyn syknesse and dissese,
In trayvalynge for to do yow ese.

(76)

And folkes alle that be disconsolat
In your myschief and grete aduersite,

And alle that stonde of helpe desolate.
With devout hert and with huniylite
Of ful trust, knelyng on your kne,

Pray this niayde in trouble and alle dissese

Yow to releve and to do yow ese.

_ (77)

Now, blissed virgyne, in heuene by exaltat,
With othir martirs in the celestialle se,

Styntith werre, the dredfulle fel debat
That vs assailith of oure enemyes thre,
From whos assaute inpossible is to He,

But, chaste geninie, thi servauntes sette at ese

And be her shelde in myschief and dissese.

Explicit.

516

518

523

525

530
532

[leaf lOii]

537

539

518 herte blode B. MS. B ends 1. .^18. Colophon: Here endeth
]>e life of .seynte Margarete, And begynneth pe lyfe of the glorious
martii' seinte George. 519 princes H. 539 colophon:

Explicet H.

The Legend of St. Austin at Campion.

193

38. THE LEGEND OF ST.
COMPTOX.

AUSTIN AT

[From MS. Harl. 2255, leaves 24-32.]
Offre vp yowre Dymes.

(1)
Lyk as the Bible makith mencioun,

The original grou«J of devout offryng,
Callyd of clerkys iust deciniaciouw,

In pleyn Ynglissh trewe and iust tithyng ;
Abel began Innocent of lyving,

Oonly to God for to do plesaunce,
Of frut, of beestys, reknyd euery-thyng,

Gatf God his part, tenthe of his substauwce.

(2)
Melchisedech, bisshop, preest, and kyng,

To Abraham, a jirynce of gret puissaunce,
For his victorye at his hoom-Comyng,

Whan Ainelech was broulit unto uttraurice,
Offryd bred and wyn with devout obeisaurace,

Of alle OblaciouTis figurys out to serche ;
On bred and wyn, by roial sutiisauMce,

The feith is groundid of al hooly cherche.

(3)
Of good greyn sowe growith up good wheete,

With gret labour plantyd is the vyne.
The tenthe part is to our lord moost meete,

To whose preceptis, heuenly and divyne,
We muste our heedys meekly dou?2 enclyne,

Paye our dymes by his Comaundementis,
!Moyses lawe and Eek bi the doctryne,

Foure Ewancjelistis and too Testamentis.

Abel began
tithes.

Melchisedek
continued
the custom,

12

16

20

24

and we
should al]
obey it.

MSS. B. M. Harley 2255, leave.s 24 to 32, back = H ; Lansilowne
699, leaves 35 to 41, bai'k = L ; Univ. Leyden Vossius 9, pp. 16-32
= V : Lincoln Cath. C. 5, 4, leaves Cviij to Diiij = C ; Harley
4826, leaves 46 to 50. ba(^k = L ; Univ. Lib. Canib. Hh. 4, 12, leave's
35 to 40 = U. LI. 1 to 128] lacking in C. Title lust decimation
V {xvi c. hand), others lacking. 4 iust k trewe L. 7 o/(21)]
om. L. 10 gret] om. L. 11 his] om. L. hys gret U. 13 wyn
and breed h. 14 obligacions V. 17 sowyn U. 24 Of fowr

ins. U.

LYDGATE, M. P. 0

194 The Legend of St. Austin at Compton.

(4)
Fro Melchisedech doun to Abraham,

To sette of tithes a fundaciou?i,
Th'encrees of frute and al that therof cam

They trewly made ther oblacioim ; 28

Whan lacob sauh in his avisioii??,

Tyme that he slepte upon the cold[e] stoon,
Sauh on a laddere goon angelis up and dou7i.,

To God above made his avowh anoon. 32

(5)
Jacob vowed This was liis vowh, with gret liumylite,

tithes to X -1 1 • ^ '

God. Lik his entent in ful pleyn language ;

"Lord, yif thou list to conduite me,

Of thy grace, Fortune my passage, 36

To retourne hoom to myn herytage,

My fadris hous come therto by-tymes.
Of good and tresour, with al the surplusage,

I shal to tlie offren vp tlie dymes." 40

Among al frutys in especial,

By a prerogatif excellent and notable,
In worthynesse verray imperial.

Of reA'erence condigne and honourable, 44

By antiquite in templys custumable.

In hooly writ remembryd ofte sithes,
Wine, oil, Wyn, Oyle, and wlieete, frutis moost acceptable,

and wlieat ^ ^ 17

wereoHered, To God above were offryd vp for tythes. 48

(7)
The Patriark of antiquyte,

Callyd Isaak next by Successioun,

and included To Abraham Avhicli with thes frutys thre

in Istac's "^

bless ng to Gaff to lacob his benedicciou?z : 52

Jacob. 1 • 1 1 •

The which thre in comparisourz.

Of the morality Avho-so takith heed,
To preesthood first and kynges of renoun,

Gret mysteries in Oyle wyn and breed. 56

25 i?'ro] For V. 30 on U. coWc] V h. cold H U L. 31 Angel
gon V. Aungelis gon L. 32 vowh. ther a noon ims. L. 35 con-
ducten V L. 38 to come ins. h. 47 frute Y. 48 abouyn V.

49 Drede sic U.

The LegcTui of St. Austin at Com.j_)ton.

195

(8)
Breed ami wyii to bissliopis apparteene,

Oyle loiigith for to anoynte kynges, ,

OITryng is inaad of frutys ripe and greene,

Of Foul and beeste and of al othir thynges ; 60

Ihcefly conclude alle folk in there livynges,

That trewly tithe witli ghid licrte and face,
Patiiarkis, prophetis in ther writynges,

Shal evore encreese with fortum^ hap, and grace. 64

(0)
And who fro God with-lialte liis de\v[e]te,

Lat hym knowe for pleyn conclusyou?i.
Of warantise he shal nevir the,

Lakke grace and vertuous foysou;e ; 68

Of ther tresour discrece in ech sesou?i,

To hoolychirclie that wil nat pay hys dyine,
Lat hym adverte and liaue inspcccioun,

What ther hefyl iu Awstynes tyrae. 72

(10)
I meene Austyn tliat was fro Rome sent.

By Seyu Gregory in to this region/?,
Graciously arryued up in Kent,

Famous in vertn, of gret perfeccioura ; 76

His liff was lyk his predicaciouTi,

As he tauht, sothely so he wrouhte :
By his moost hooly conversaciou/?.

Into this lond tlie feith of Crist he brouhte. 80

(11)
Thoruh al the parties and provynces of the lond,

Of Cristis gospel lie gau the seed to sowe,
Unkouth myracles wroulite with hys liand,

Worshipped he was bothe of liih and lowe ; 84

"VVith-outen pompe grace liath his horn so blowe,

Thoruh his merites that the hevenly sown,
He callid was as it is wel knowe,

Cristes Apostil in Brutis Aibiou?j. 88

Each has
virtue.

Wlioever

WlthholllS

them,

let him
remember
what befell
in St.
Austin's
uiue.

Austin was
sent from
Rome,

to preacli
the faith.

He wrought

many

miracles.

58 annyte U. fiO qf] om. h. 62 witK] were L. 64 Uae
om. \j. LI. 65 to 128 lacking rn U {on folio). 65 witholdith L.
deurtr] h. dewte H V 1.. 67 0/"] A h. 69 discrece] /falliivell
reads disc\eie \ 83 Ynknowth Y. 87 wyll V. oin. L.

O 2

196

The Legend of St. Austin at Compton.

He was the
bright
aurora of
our faith.

Before him
we slum-
bered in
darkness.

We were
baptized
by him.

(12)
He was Aurora whan Phebus sliolde arise,

With his briht beemys on that lond to shyiie,
Callycl day-sterre moost glorious to devise ;

Our feith was dirkid unUir the Ecliptic lyne ; 92

Our niysbeleeve he did first Enlumyne,

Whan he out-sprad the briht[e] beemys cleere,
Of Cristes lawe by his parfit doctryne,

Thoruh al this land to make his liht appeere. 96

(13)
This was doon by grace or we wer war,

Of tholygoost by the influence,
Whan foure steedys of Phebus goldene char,

List in this regiouri holde residence; 100

Who droff the char to Conclude in sentence,

By goostly favour of the nyne speerys,
Til blissed Austyn, by goostly elloquence,

Was trewe Auriga of foure gospelleeris. 104

(U)

Or Austyn cam, we slombryd in dirknesse,

Lyk ydolastres blyndid in our siht.
Of Cristes feith was curteyned the cleernesse,

Tyl Sol justicie list shewe his beemys briht ; 108

Of his mercy to clarefye the liht,

Chace away our cloudy ignoraunce,
The lord of lordys of moost imperial myht,

Tavoyde away our fro ward mescreaunce. 1 1 2^

(15)
First fro the Pope that callid was Gregory,

Awstyn was sent, who that list adverte,
Tyme and date be put in memory,

To Cristes feith whan he did vs converte, 1 16

Our goostly woundys felte as tho gret smerte ;

Deed was our soule, our boody Eek despised,
Tyl Awstyn made vs cast of cloth and sherte,

In coold watir by hym we wer baptised. 120

94 brihte] L. briht H. 100 to holde ins. L. 106 ydolatres
L V. 113 was callyd h. 118 our (1)] om. L.

The Legend of St. Austin at Compton.

197

(IG)
Kyng EtlK'll)ert regnyng that tynie in Kent,

Touchyng tlie date whau Awstyii cam first dou?«,
Noiu<(.bryd tlie tynie wlian that lie was sent,

By Pope Gregory into this regions, 124

Yeer of our Lord by computaciou??,

Compleet five hundryd fourty and Eek nyne,
As cronyclers make mencioun,

In ther bookys fully deterniyne. 128

(17)
Thus he began by grace of Goddis bond,

Wher God list werche may be noon obstacle,
B}'' his labour was cristened al this lond,

Feitli of our lord wex moor cleer than spectacle; 132
"Whan tholygoost made his habitacle

In tlio personys that wern in woord and deede,
By Awstyn tournyd, God wrouhte a gret myracle.

To make hem stable in Articles of the Creede. 136

(18)
But to resorte ageyn to my mateere,

With thOlygoost Austyn sett a-fire,
Gan preche and teche devoutly the maneere

Of Cristes lawe abrood in every sliire :
Grace of our Lord did hym so inspire,

To Enhvmyne al this regiou«,
Of aventure his lierte gan desire

To Entre a village that callid was Conii)tou;(.

(19)
The parissli preest of the same place,

Aforn provided in fnl humble wyse,
Besouhte hym meekly that he wolde of grace

Here his compleynt as he shal devise : 148

In pleyn language told hym al the guyse.

Lord of that thorpe requeryd ofte sithes,
He ay contrayre tobeye to themprise,

Of hooly cliirche list n;it paye his tithes. 152

King Etliel-
hcil was
king tlien.

lA'.i A.n.

140

Austin caine
to a village
144 called

Compton.

There he
found the
lord of the
thorpe
refused to
pay i.i3
tithes.

128 and fully ins. L. 129 C begins here, and U resumes.

132 wer more clerere h. 138 lVitli'\ vnt. U. set so on fire U.

139 That he gou preche deuowtly, etc. U. 151 to] om. V L C U h.
he cause h.

198

Tlic Legend of St. Austin at Comj^iton.

The priest
of the village
asked

Austin tn
redress the
matter.

(20)
" Entretid hym lik to his estat,

First secroly, next atforn the toun,
But al for noiiht I fond hym obstynat,

Moost indiirat in liis oppynyom^ ; 156

Toold hym the Custom grouudid on resourz,

He was bounde by lawe of oold writyng,
To pay his dymes, and for rebelliou7i

1 cursyd hym, cause offals tithyng. 160

(21)
"This mateer hool ye must of riht redresse ;

Eequeryng you of your goodly heede,
By your discrecioun to do rihtwisnesse,

Peysen al the cas and prudently take heede 164

That hooly chirche haue no wrong in deede ;

Al thyng commytted and weyed in ballaunce,
Ye to be luge, and lyk as ye proceede

We shall obeye to youve ordynaunce." 168

(22)
Hooly Awstyn, sad and wel avised,'

Kneuh by signes this compleynt was no fable,
And in maneer was of the caas agrised.

Fond that the lord was in that poynt coupable; 172
To reduce hynt and niak hym moor tretable,
As the lawe ordeyned hath of riht,
Austin took Blissid Awstyu, in Cristes feith moost stable,

the knight ,n i i . i i. xi • i ^ i. 1 ^ C

look hym apart seyde unto tins knyglit, iio

(23)
andreasoned " How may this be tliat thou art [so] froward

with him, mi i i • i i ii i

lo hooly chirche to pay thy dewtee,
Lyk thy desert thou shalt haue thy reward ;

Thynk that thou art bounde of trouthe & equitee, 180
To I'aye thy tithes ; and lerne this of mee,

The tenthe part fro God yif thou withdrawe,
Thou mvste incurre, of necessite,

To been accursyd by rigour of the lawe." 184

164 Paysyng U. 173 And to r,i.s. h. 171 so] li L V. om.

H U. this rep. L. 180 that] om. L V li U. of] to h. 181 and]
om. h. 183 Thow must of Kyght pleynly to the sic li.

The Legend of St. Austin at Compton.

199

(24)
Tho knyht, astonyd soiawliat of his cheer,

" Sire," (|MO(.l he, " I wol wel that ye knowe,
My labour is ay from yeer to yeer

By revohiciou7i that the loud be sowe, 188

Afore this peple stondyng here arowe,

By evidence to niaken an open preef,
What inaner boost that ony man list blowe,

I with the nynthe wil have the tenthe cheef. 192

(25)
" Sey what ye list, 1 wyl have no lasse."

This was the answere pleynly of the kuyht;
Hooly Austyn dispoosid liym to masse,

Ful devoutly and in the peeplys siht, 196

Tornyd his face, comaundith anoon riht,

Ech cursyd man tliat wer out of grace
Tyme of his masse tliat euery maneer wiht

That stood accursyd, voyde sliulde his place. 200

(26)
Present that tyme many creature,

"Withoute abood or any long taryeng,
Ther roos up oon out of his sepulture.

Terrible of face, the peeple beholdyng, 204

A great paas the chircheyeerd passyng.

The Seyntuarye bood ther a greet whyle,
A! the space the masse was seyeng,

Feerfully afore the chirche style. 208

(27)
With-oute meevyng, ahvay stille he stood.

The peeple feerful in ther oppynyou;i,
Almoost for dreed they gan to wexen wood,

Afftir masse alle of assent cam dou/i, 212

To hooly Austyn made relaciou?i.

Of al this caas riht as it was falle,
Gaff hem a spirit of consolations,

Ful sobirly spak unto them alle. 216

189 heir arowi] on a rowe L. 193 vow L. 197 Tvviiiyth L.
coinauwdyd U. 200 this V. 201 many a L U. 202 booJ U.
206 ther^ that U. 211 thei wex wel nerc L V. they wex ner li.
Hor drede thev waxid alm-st woJe U. 214 betalle L V )i.

215 hcvi] hvni V h.

tint foiiiifl
liiiii oliKti-
iiate.

Austin then
went to
mass,

and ordered
eac.li cursed
pT.son to
leave the
jilace.

A grisly
f;lio.st rose
up out of
liis grave
and went
out of the
churchyard.

After mass
the people
all told
Austin.

200

The Legend of St. Austin at Covipton.

Austin
asked tlie
ghost wl.o
he was.

He said,
lie had once
refused to
pay tithes,

and was
accursed
for it.

This was
long ago.

Sad and discreet in his aduertence,

Sauli \)j ther poort tliat they stood in dreede,
First of alle Avith ful devout reverence,

Cros and hooly watir he made aforn proceede ; 220

The Crucifix their baner was in deede,

Blissid Austyn the careyn gan compelle : —
" In lesw name, that lyst for man to bleede,

What that thu art trewly for to telle." 224

(29)
" Disobeisauut my tithes for to paye.

Of yoore agoon I was lord of this town,
My dew[e]tees I did alwey delaye.

Stood accursyd for my rebellion??, 228

Made in my liif no restitucioure,

Geyn thy biddyng I myht no socour haue ;
My cursed Careyn, ful of corrupciou??,

By Goddis angel was cast out of my graue. 232

(30)
" Thy precept was upon ecli a side, ,

Beyng at masse whil thou were in presence,
No stynkyng flessh myht in the poorche abyde,

I was take up, lad forth by violence ; 236

On me was yove so dreedf ul a sentence

Of Curs, alias ! which to my diffame,
Now as ye seen, for disobedience

Disclaxnidrid is perj^etuelly my name. 240

(31)
" Tyme whan Britou?«s wer lordis of this lond,

Hadde the lordship and domynaciou??,
Tiie same tyme as ye shal undirstond.

Of this village in sotli I was patroure ; 244

To hooly chirche hadde no devociourt,

Offte sith steryd of my Curat
To paye my dymes, hadde indignaciou/?.,

Was ay contrayre, froward, and obstinat. 248

219 /w/] om. L Vh. 220 made] dyd U. 223 to] om. L.

227 dewetees] h, dewtecs H, etc. 233 on h. a] om. L. 236 and
Jad h. 237 geffjn U. 244 forsothe h.

The Legend of St. Austin at Campion.

201

" This luindrjd yecv I liave (.'uduryd l'cyi)0,

Ami fifty ovir by Coniputaciou??,
Greet cause liave I to moorne and to coinplej'ue,

In a dirk prisons of desolaciou«,
Mong firy flawmys, voyd of remissiouu."

And whil that he this wuoful tale toold,
Hooly Austyn with the peeple environ?*,

Wepte of compassioun, as tliey to -watir Avoold.

(33)
Austyn gan nuise in his oppynyonn,

To fynde a mene the sowle ior to save,
Of this terrible doolful inspeccioun

Tlie peeplis hertys gretly gau abave,
AVhom to behoolde tlioy cowde no cou??ifort have

Al the while the careyn was in ther presence,
Austin axith yif he knew the grave,

Of thilke preest that gaf vn hym sentence,

(34)
" So longe aforn for tliy fals tythyng,

As Ave have herd the mateere in substau«ce."
" Sothly," qnod he, " ther shal be no taryeng,

But ye shal have a reconysaunce.
So ye wil digge and doon youre observaunce,

To delvyn up his boonys dul and rude.
Loo ! heer he lith, cheef cause of jny grevaunce,

So fel a curs he did on me conclude."

(35)
Austyn fulfilled of grace and all vertu,

As ony pileer in our feith moost stable,
The deed preest, in name of Crist lesu,

He bad arise with Avoordys f al tretable ;
Requeryd hym, by tokenys ful notable,

Yif lie hadde sith tymc that lie was born
Seyn that Owgly careyn lamentable.

The deed l)ody that stood hem beforn.

260 abave] wave L. avale V C. 264 on hijin] on the li

iiif. xvic hand), on hym the U. 265 thy] his V. 272

sentence U. 273 al] of L. oin. V. 277 with woodis

276). 279 baieyn sic C.

Kor a hun-
dred years
he liad
sufl'ered
pain.

252

256

260

264

Austin
learned of
the ghost

268

wliere the
priest that
cursed hiin
was buried.

272

276

He bade liini
arise,

and tell his
story.

280

(liim
cwrs]
L(cf.

202 The Legend of St. Austin at Gompton.

(36)
The priest " Sotlilv," Q?wd lie, "and that me revvithe soore,

said, he had .

cursed the Ihat evir I kuewh liyni for his frowardnesse,

knight, for ^ .. •,-,■,

refusing his i gai livui counseu, daily moore and moore,

tithes e) V ./

To pave his tithes, the pereil did expresse ; 284

He took noon heed his surfetys to redresse ;

I warnyd him many divers tymes,
But al for nouht, I can weel here witnesse,

Deyed accursyd, rebel to paye his dymes." 288

(37)
"Whan the preest hath toold euery deel,
With evy cheer and voys most lamentable,
T'lenfustin Quod Seyn Austyn, "Erothir, thou knowest weel,
to forgive Thynk he that bouht US is evir merciable, 292

him, -^ '

By whoos exau??«ple we must be tretable.

As the Gospel pleynly doth recoorde,
And for thy part be nat thu vengable,

So that with rififour niercv mav accorde. 296

(38)
as Jesi!s " Thvnk how lesus bouht us with his blood,

Would ; " ,

Oonly of mercy sufFryd passions,
For manuys sake was iiayled ou the rood,

Rive to the herte for our redempciou/t ; 300

Remembre how thu dist execuciouri

Upon this penaunt plou??gid in greet peyne,
Withdrawe thy sentence and do remissioun,

Fro purgatorye his trowblys to restreyne. 304-

(39)
andtosiirive " On liym thu leydist a ful dreedful bond,

liira after his

penance. To the it longitli the same bond to luibynde ;

Tak this flagelle devoutly in thy bond,

On Cristes passion in this mateer have mynde, 308
Many exauj/iple to purpoos thu mayst fynde,

Of trespasours relesyd of ther peyne,
Of Petir, Poule, and Sein Thomas of Ynde,

Of Egipsiacha, and Mary Mawdeleyne. 312

281 Yee sothelv ins. U. 290 Iievy L C V U li. and] the V.

292 That our loid eucr merciable U. " 304 treble U. 305 a]

om. C. ful] oin. h. 311 and] om. LY C. and of seynt Tiiomas
yude L. 312 Egeoypacha sic h.

The Lcijcnd of St. Austin at Compton.

203

(40)
" [Talce]^ to mercy for ther greet repeiitaiiiice,

Tlier was noon othir niediaciourt, i ms. Took.

Tim must of rilit yeve hym his penaunce,

"With this flagelle of equite and resoun; 316

Sette on tliis careyn a castigaciou?*,

As he vequerith kneclyng afor thy face,
Best restoratif next Cristes passioun,

Is thyn assoylyng for his gret trespace." 320

Al this was Joou by the Comaiuulemeut

Of Seyn Austyn, the Careyn ther knelyng,
Lord of that village was also ther present,

Al the peeple moost pitously sobbyng ; 324

From ther even the teerys distyllyng ;

The la3t[e] preest reised from his grave,
The tothir corps with bittir fel scorgyng,

Assoyled liiiu his soule for to save. 328

(42)
Oo ded man assoiled hath anothir,

An unkouth caas merveilous texpressc;
Oon knelith dou?i, reqiierith of the tothir,

Pleyn remissiou?* of Oold cursidnesse, 332

Bete with a scorge, took it with meeknesse,

Hopyng that li'sas shuld his soule save.
Seyn Austyn bad him in hast he shuld hym dresse,

Thankvnrf our Loril, agevn unto his grave. 336

(43)
Circumstauwces in ordre to accouwte,

Of this myracle peised euery thyng,
Mercy of our Lord doth every-thyng surmounte,

To save and dampne he is lord and kyng ; 340

Ilevene and helle obeye to his biddyng,

Byfmany exaumple expert in this mateer,
Traian the Emperour for his just deemyng,

I-savid was by meene and the prayeer 3-14

313 7'aA:(;]LVUhC. Tuok H. S20 th>jn] om. V. thyng

sic h. absolucion U. 326 las(e] h. last H, dc. 327 corps]

certid L V. 335 he !>huld hym\ that he shold L Y C. him (1)]

om. L. 344 the] by U.

"Tliou must

absolve

liiui."

This was
done, a
strange
thiiih'.

Thus Trajan
was _.ve(i

8«

204 The Legend of St. Austin at Conrpton.

(44)
by St. Of Seyn Gregory, Pope of Kome touu,

Cause ill his dooniys he did so gret riht,
Rigour was medlyd with remyssiou?^,

For he that is of nioost imperial myht, 348

List advertise in his celestial siht,

Tvveen rihte and favour, rigour and pite,
By doom and sentence of every nianeer wiht,

Mercy of vertues hath the sovereynte. 352

(45)
Tiie priest, Unto the preest aforn that I you toold,

Leing given 04 1 ■

feeyn Austyn made a straunge questiou??,
his choice To cheese of tweyne whedir that he woold,

IO eO with 11 1 ,_ , . . nrn

st.Augustine J 0 goon With liyiu tliorun this regiou«, 356

or itmain in rri, j- ■.■, e r^ • , -i i-

Uie grave, J-he leith 01 Crist by predicaciou?i,

For his part groundid on Scrijiture,
To doon his deveer of hool affectioun,

Or to resoorte ageyn to his sepulture. 360

. ^^^^
"Fadir," qwod he, "with suppi:)rtaeiou»,

Of your henygne fadirly pite,
I you requeere to graunte me pardou?i,

Unto my grave I may restooryd be ; 364

This world is ful of mutabilite,

Ful of trouble, chaung, and varyaunce,
And for this tyme I pray you suHritlie me,

Tabyde in reste from worldly perturbaunce. 368

chooses the " I reste in pees and take of nothyng keep,

Rejoisshe in quiete and Contemplaciou??,
Voyd of al trouble, celestial is my sleep.

And by the meene of Cristes passiouw, 372

Feith, hoopc, and Charite, and hool affecioun,

Been pilwes foure to reste upon by grace,
Day of the general resurrection??,

Wliau Gabriel callitli tappeere a-forn his face." 376

345 Pope] scratched in H and h, li suh. bysshop {xvi c. hand).
358 iiarty U. p.irte L. 360 rt(/c?//t ^o] vnto L V C. b6t5 ^/i/iiWc]
trowih Y. 367 for] in L.

The Legend of St. Austin at Comjituv. 205

(48)

0 brotliir mvn, this cliovs is for tliv bestc ! a wise
Conteniplatiir, fuUillod of al plesaunce,

1 pray to God sonde tlie good reste,

Of goostly gladueese, sovereyn suffisaunce ; 380

Pray for vs and have in remenibraunce,

Al hooly chirche in quiete to be crownyd,
That Crisf Jhesns dispoose so the ballaunoe,

That Petris ship be Avith no tempest drownyd. 384

(49)
I nieene as thus, that noon heresye

Kyse in thes (iayes, nor noon that was befoin,
Nor no darnel growe nor multeplye,

Nor no fals Cokkyl be medlyd with good corn ; 388
Clieese we the roosys, cast away the thorn,

Crist boute us alle with his p[r]ecious bloode,
To that he bouht us lat no thyng be lorn.

For our redenipciouu he starf upon the rood. 392

(50)
The knyht present lord of the same tou»,

Thes myracles whan he did se,
Austyn axith of hym this questioun,

" Wilt thu," q«od he, " paye thy dew[e]te? " 396

He grauntith his axing, and fyl doon on his kne,

^loost repentaunt forsook al the w^orld as blyve,
AVitli devout herte and al humylite,

Folwith Seyn Austyn duryng al his live. 400

LENVOYE.

(51)
Go litil tretys, void of presunii)ciou» !

Prese nat to ferre, nor be nat to bold ;
This labour stant un<lir C<irrecciou?«,

Uf this myracle remeinl)ryd many fold, 404

377 IMS'] thy h. tliy'] the U Vh. om. L. 382 to] om. h.

385 o-^i/n!.?] thysU. thusYLC. 389 chese with 0 L V. 394
myracle VCL. dide C. 396WiItowRC. (^^^n/',.] h. dewto H.
dwetc C. 397 He] om. all. Grauntyd U. and\ om. C L V U.

fyl] om. h.

206 The Eight Verses of St. Bernard.

In many sLire and many Cite toold,

To you echon to Avhom I it directe,
By-canse I am of wittis dul and old,

Doth your deveer this processe to corecte. 408

Explicit quod Lidgate.

39. THE EIGHT VERSES OF ST. BERNARD.

Iliumine
mine eyes.

Into Thy
hands I com-
nienil my
spirit.

[MS. Laud 6S3 ; leaves 27 to 29.]

These be the viij verse folwyng of hooly Seynt
Bernard who-so-euer seith hem euery day devoutly
shal neut /■ be dampned but he may neut/- be ]>e bolder
to syn/ie.

(1)
Illumina oculos meos ne vnq?/am obdormiam in morte
nequando dicat inimicus mens preualui aduersus eum. 0
ado 11 ay.

0 sothfast Sonne of al briglitnesse,
Enlumyne Avith thy cleer lyght
Myn eien, that thorugli no dirknesse [leaf 27, back]

Slombre nat in the blake nyglit 4

Of cruel deth, so that no myght

Sathan haue me to assaylle,
Tavaunce in his ffelle ffyght,

Ageyns me he may avaylle. 8

(2)
In manus tuas domine co??nnendo spiritu??i rneun?
redemistirae domine deus veritatis. 0 messias.

In-to thyn handis I comende

My spirit with all humylite,
In hope be mercy thou shalt extende

To brynge me theder thou bough test me, 12

408 dcnowr sic U. Explicit h. Explicit myraculum Bandi
Augustin L V C. Marcjin of C : Thomas Duk is a good iiaughtie
boy [xvi ('. hand).

The Eight Verses of St. Bernard. 207

For lie tliat piulyght luuily tro,

Wliore tliow were nailed on the rood,
Fur ]n fyve wou/idis, lord, haue pite

To saue me be thy precious blood. 16

(3)

Locutus sum in lingua mea notani fac niichi Domine
fincni meum 0 rex iwsfer lili dauid.
In my tonge I seyde and spak,

Lord, myn ende make me to knoAve, Make me

f-^ , 11 iriine end

yjt the serpent take wrak to know,

With treynes of his perlous bowe, [leaf 28] 20

Corupt to erthe whau I lihe lowe,

Shal rise ageyn, Avhan thou list assigne,
That Gabriel his dredfull horn shal blowe,

lesn my soule to the I schall resigne. 24

Et numerum die?'M??t ineorum quis est ut sciam quid
desit michi. 0 Eloy.
The noumbre of my dales alle, ami the

number of

Lord, and it be to thy plesaunce, my days.

Make me to mynde ageyn hem calle.

In ordir to haue a remembraunce, 28

AVith schryfft, hosell, and repentaunce,

By grace that I may plese the,
Make mercy to sette the ordenaunce

Thereby to knowe what fayleth me. 32

(5)
Dirupisti doniine uincula mea tibij sacrificabo hostiam
laudis & -Domine do?nini in vocabo. 0 emanuel.
My bitter bondis thou hast brooke, Thou hast

. broken my

Til em onshette m goodly wyse, bonds.

By cleer confessioun them onlooke,

Out of synne to make me ryse, [leaf 28, back] 36

For wich I schall do sacryfyse,

By grace remembred, con and alle,
Do meek penaunce and sacryfyse,

Ay to thy name ffor mercy calle. 40

208 The EigU Verses of St. Bernard.

(6)
Periit fuga a me et non est qui requirat animam meani.
0 Chrisfe.

On-to me, lord, tlier ys no fflyght,
I iiave nn J^or of reffuge noon other place

refuge save c t r^

in Thee. Saue I Caste to goon ff ull right

Maugre my ffoon that me manace, 44

Bothe to ffynden leyser and space

In euery Trybulacyoun
I looke vp-On thy blody fface

And on thy bytter passyoun. 48

(7)

Clamaui ad te domiuedixi tu es spes mea porcio meain
terra uiuentiu?u. 0 actios.

To Tiiee I To the I crye lord flbr socour,

I sey thow art my suffysaunce
Myn hoope, my trust, my protectour,

Eeffreyt of my goostly plesaunce, 52

Ageyn al fflesshly perturbaunce, [leafio]

Ileffute ageyn al wordly stryff.
And fortunys troubly varyaunce,

IMy porcioun in the lond of lyff. 56

cry.

a sign.

(8)

Fac mecum signu?H in bono ut uideant qui oderunt me
et confundantur quoniam tu do7nme adimuisti me &
consolatus es me. 0 robam.

Make me Make me a sygne in my fforhed,
Of that hooly vyctoryous tre.
On wich thow were maad blood red,

That alle my ffoon wich looke on me, 60

My goostly enmyes whan they me se

May dreede to ther confusioun,
Be-cause my trust ys hooll in the

Comfort and Consolacyoun. 64

Amen.

The Ei'jht Verses of St. Bernard (II). 209

(9)
This i:j an holy verse also ageyn goostly enniyes.
Delicta iiuicntutis luee et i''norancias nieas me memiiicris
domine.

The trespacis of my tendir youthe, Rnmember

1 <• '"''' '-'"' '*''"'

2s or the "vltes of mv c;rene aire, of my youth.

On-to thy right lat nat be kouthe

Tyl tyine that^ thy Ire asswage, i MS. irp. tyme that. 68

Myn ignoraunces nor Outrage

As I dysserve nat recorde, [leaf 29, back]

Tyl pes be leyd as ffor Ostage

That right and mercy may accorde. 72

Explicit.

40. THE EIGHT VERSES OF ST. BERXARD.

[Another version.]
[From MS. B.J[. Adds. 29729, leaves 126, back, to 127, back.]

Here beg^yneth verses of Ipe sauter whiche pAt kynge
Herry the V. whom god assoyle by gret devocion
vsyd in his chappell at his hy;e masses by-twene
])e levacion and ^^e concecracion of j^e sacrament
translatid by pe Monke Lydegat dan John.

(1)
0 sothefast sonne of all bryghtncs,

Enlumen withe thy clere lyght illumine

Myn yen, that tliroughe no darkenesse

Slepe not in the blake nyght 4

Of cruell deth, so that no myght
My ennymy have, as he massavle,

To seyne in all [thys] fell[e] fyght
Agaynst me he myght avayle. 8

MSS. B.M. Adds. 29729, leaves 126 to 127, back = A ; Un. Lib.
Canib. Kk. 1, 3 = K. Title in K : Versus Bernardi. 7 thys] K.
om. A.

LYUGATE, M. P. p

iiiine eves.

210

The Eight Verses of St. Bernard {II).

Into Tliy
hands.

Let me know-
mine end.

ThoM hast
saved nie.

There is no
flight save
to Thee.

Into thy handes I comende

My spirit withe all humilite,
Thy mercy ever besechende ;

Syth with thy bloode thow boughtest me,

Thow sothefast lord, one, too, & thre,
Agayn everyche tribulacion

Me governe through thy benynguite,
And take to thy proteccion.

(3)
111 my tonge I seyde and spake :

" Lord, make me myn ende know,
Or the serpent take wrake

AVith the treynes of his bow ;

And of my day[e]s all by row
The nomber what it is let se.

Or I be layd in erthe low.
To wete ther-of what fayleth me.

(4)
" My bondis and my byter chaynes

Thou hast I-broke in goodly wyse,
And savede me fro the develes traynes ;

Wherfore to the I shall devyse

Of laud and prayse and sacrefyce,
Of clene entent, withoute blame,

Now lord, my preyeer not despyse.
That clepe and cry vnto thy name,

" For unto me ther ys no flyght,

Benigne lord, but to thy grace,
For ther is non to [s]erche aryght

The trowbull that doth my hert enbrace ;

So sore my syne dothe me chace
That I can no remedy,

But mekely knele afore thy face
Tyll thou by mercy lyst me guye."

12

16

20

24

28

32

[leaf 127]

36

40

9 I me commeude K. 11 be shewede K. 14 eche K.

15 guye K. 19 Or that ins. K. 23 in] on K. 35 serche] K.
cherch A. 37, 40 are defective in K, cncing to holes in the page.

The Eujht Verses of St. Bernard {II):

211

(6)
To the, lorde, I clepe and call,

And say; " Thow art my suffysans.
My trust, my hope, and therwithall

My loye, and all my [full] plesauncc ;

The cheeife eke of my reniembraunce
^ly part ayeyn ech woo and drede

"Withe-in the lond of lyfe mavaunce
By mercy for myne eternall mede.

(7)
" Make me a signe throw thy goodnes,

And marke me in my for-hcde,
That my enmyes in my desires,

When they me se, have of me drede ;

And of pyte and godelyliede
Be thou my consolacion,

Coumfort and refute, and all my spede.
In every maner of tribulacion.

(8)
" Remember, lord, ounly by grace

Of thy merytes, and take good hede
And thynke how they surmount and pas

All thy werkis, and exeede ;

For throue the worlde in length & brede
Thy merytes every-thyng excelle,

Sytli thow allone, ther is no drede.
Of mercy art the fullsome welle.

(9)
"Tlie'trespas of my tender youthe,

Nere the gyltes of my gret age,
Unto thy ryght lat not be couthe,

Tyll tyme that thyne Ire asswage ;

My ygnorance, nor owterage,
As I desarve, not records,

Tyll pes be leyde, as for ostage,
That ryght and mercy may accorde.

44 fulll K. ojTi. A. 46 agayn eche K.
MS. K ends 1. 50, in the middle of the page.

To Thee
I cry.

44

48

52

56

60

64

[leaf 127, b.ck]

68

72

iiyeyn for ech ins. A.

P 2

212 A Prayer for King, Qvxcn, and People.

(10)
"After thy mercyes on me have mynde,

0 lorde God, of thy hygh boimte ;
Thynke that thou toke our kynde

Whylome in thy humanyte, ' 76

Whan thou come downe in lowe degre
For owT offense to be raunson,

And seth for our captiuite
Tliy bloode was our redempcion. 80

(11)
" 0 lord, seth that I am thy servant,

Thy servant ryght as it is skyll,
By mekenes & by min avaunt,

And humble chylde of thyn ancill, 84

Grant me By grace graunt me to fullfyll

to pl69,S6 1111 1

Thee. All that to the may be plesauns,

And when I ere ageynst thy wyll,
Have mercy or thou do vengeance." 88

Explicit Lidgatt.

41. A PEAYER FOR KING, QUEEN, AND
PEOPLE, 1429.

[MS. Boilley Fairfax 16, leaves 199, back, to 200, back.]

Ab inimicis nos^'ris defende nos chiisfe. [leaf i;)!i, back]
Deliver us Most souereigue lord, 0 blessed Crist lesu !

from our

foes. From oure enemyes delyuer vs, and oure foon ;

Vnder whos grace and vnder whos vertu

o

MSS. Bodley Fairfax 16, leaves 199, back, to 200, back = F ; B. M.
Harlev 7578, leaves 18, 19 = H ; Harley 2257, leaves 10, back, 11 =
h ; Adds. 34360, pp. 133-136 = A ; Trin. Coll. Cam. R. 3. 21,
leaves 244, back, to 245 back = T ; the same MS. (another copy)
leaves 318, 319 = t. Headings : H omits Latin titles, the others
follow Y. 1 blessed] blessith H. blisful H A T t. leshu H.

2 and] of h A H.

A Prayer for King, Queen, and People.

21.3

ShaOow us
with Thy
protection.

"We hen assured, "where so asc ryde or <,'oon,

Now lord, that art two, and three, and oon,
Kepe and preserve vnder tliy niyghty lionde,
Tlie kynge, the quene, the peple, and thy londe.

(2)
AflBicciouem ntA-Yram benignus vide.
And bk'ssc'd lorde, of thy benyngnytee

Considre and see cure affliccioiin,
And lat thyn eye of mercye on vs see,
Vs to releve in tribulaciou//,
And shadwe vs, lord, with thy p?-otecciou«, 12

And ay preserue, vnder thy myghty houde,
The kynge, the quene, the peple and thy londe. 14

(3)
Dolorem cordis nodxi respice clemens.
And, good lord, beholde and eke aduert

Of thy mercy and thy grete grace,
Thinwardes sorwes of oure troubled hert,
And look vpon vs with a benigne face,

And lat thyn wynges of pitee vs enbrace, 1 9 Pity us.

And [ay] preserve vnder thy myghty honde.
The kynge, the quene, the peple, and thy londe. 21

(4)
Peccata populi tui plus indulge.

Mekely foryeve the synnes olde and newe
Of thy peple, and ther grete oflfence.

And, good lord, vpon ther giltes rewe, [leaf 200]

And ther demerites by dome nat recompence.
But reconcyle them Avith thyn indulgence ; 26

And ay preserve vnder thy myghty honde

The kynge, the quene, the peple, and thy londe. 28

Forgive our
sins.

4 assureth H. 0 two thre ami oon H. thre twoo and oon
H A T t. 7 Our kyng oiire qwene thevr peple of ynglonde

hATt. %]tlieh. 8 blisful h A T t. thhie H. 14 Oure

kyiig the qwene the peple of the land h A. thy] the H. 15 ckc"]
om. hA. 17 The inward HATt; lord ay preserve hATt.

21 thij] the HATt. 24 Now lord Imi hATt. 25 And]

Where h A. dome] do nat h A. done H. 26 But] oni. h A.

lord with iiis. h A. 27, 28 in h A. Preserving ay oure kyng

oure quene and land Goode lord Jcsn vnJer thy luyghti hond
HA.

214

A Fraycr for King, Qiiecn, and Feo2Jle.

Hear our
prayers.

Pity us,
Son of God.

Keep us
forever.

Hear us,
Christ.

33

35

(5)
Oraciones no.v/ras plus exaudi.

And good lord, here cure orisouns,

Whan we to the for helpe clepe or calle,

Here oure compleyntes and lamentaciouns,
And doo socour to cure offences alle,
Be oure defence that noo myschefe ne falle,

And ay preserve vnder thy myglity honde,

The kynge, the queno, the peple, and thy londe.

(6)
Fill dei viui miserere nobis.

Thow sone of God, ay lastynge and eterne,
Haue mercy on vs, and forgete vs nought,

And of thy grace guye vs and gonerne.

And reconcyle that thow so dere liast bought,

With love and drede enbrace our inwarde thought, 40

And ay preserve, vnder thy myghty honde,

The kynge, the queue, the peple, and thy londe.

42

Hie et imperpetuujji nos custodire digneris.

In this lyfe here, and pcrpetuelly,

To kepe vs, lord, that thou nat disdeyne.

For alle oure tiuste stant in thy mercie,
Hopynge by grace we shal therto atteyne,
Thy passyou?? shal kepe vs oute of peyne.

And ay preserve vnder thy myghty honde,

The kynge, the queue, the peple, and thy londe.

(8)
Exaudi nos criste exaudi nos criste.

Here vs, lorde, whan we to the preye.

And here vs, lorde, in myschefe and in nede.

And Crist lesn, by mercy vs conveye.

47

49

29 Thow blissed lord h ATt. have here ins. H. oreysoii Ah.
31 compleynt lamentacioun. 32 Socoure vs crist for h A T t.

33 ne\ on vs h A. 34 ay] euer h A T t. 35 thy] the h A T t.

36 Thow Goddis sone h A T t. 41 thy] a T t. 42 Ouie kyng,
oure qwene h A Tt. 43 Here in this Ivf h A H. 45 in] on

h A T t. 46 thereto we slial h A T t. ' 47 eke shal h A T t.

49 Both kyng and qwene the peple and al this lond h ATt (of all
Tt). thy] the A. 50 on vs A. vnto the h.

A rmj/er for King, Qvmi, and People.

215

AVliiche on the Croys lisle for our sake blede,
Fortune this Kealme, and make it wel to spede, 54

Benigne lesw, preserve eke. with thin hande, [leafjoo, bu.i
The kynge, the quene, the peple, and thy londe. 5G

Lenvoy.

(9)
A lorde ! A-monge haue A Rememl)raunce

On sixt Henry, thyn oone chose knyght,
Borne tenheryte the Regiou» of Fraunce,

By trew discent aiul by title of ryght,

Now good, lorde conserve him thurgh thy myglil, GI
And [ay] preserue vnder thy niyghty honde,
Him and his moder, thy peple and thy londe. 63

(10)

Lat him in vertu ay encresse and shyne,

AVorthy thorgh vertu to be put in niemorye,

And forgete nafc hys moder Kateryne,

"Where thou sittest in thy heuenly glorye,

Yive to the knyght, conquest and victorye, G8

And [ay] preserve vnder thy myghty honde.

Him and his moder, thy peple and thy londe. 70

■ (11)

Be thow hys consaylle and hys souereigne rede,
So as he wexeth -with vertu him tavaunce,

And blessed lord be thow bothe helpe and spede,
To alle that labouren for hys enheritaunce,
Bothe in this realme and in the grownde of Fraunce, 75

And [ay] preserve vnder thy myghty honde,

Him and hys moder, thy peple and thy londe. 77

56 and also yngland h A T t. 57 And lord have eke in remem-
braunce h A T t. A] And H. have A] alle H. 58 On Edward the
fourth h AT t. Kyng Edward Vhs. T. 59 /^cflriou?;] Royal Realme
h A T t. 60 hj] om. A h T t. 61 p?vscrve h A T t. 62 Holy
preserve h A T t. his peple and his land h A T t. 63 thy] the H.
T adds here the last stanza of Chaucer's Lak of Stec/fastnesse :
0 prynce desyre for to be honorable

Cheryshe thy folke and hate extorcion
Sutfre nothyng that may be reprouable
III thvne estate doone in Thy region
Sliew forthe thy swerde of eastigacion
Drede god, do law, loue trowthe and worthynes
And dryue thy folke agayn to stedfastness.
T rnds, Explicit quod Rogerus- Thorney. MS. t omils the E.vplicit.
h A end 1. 63. 70 thy] the H. 72 tava.unce] avaunce H.

Remember
Henry VI.

Let liiiii
grow in
virtue.

Bless his
party,

here and in
France.

216

Cristes Passioun.
(12)

That he may In .slioi't tvme that tliow mav attevne

shortly be . '' J J

crowned. Withoute lettyiig or any pe;-turba?nice,

To be corowned with worthy corovnes tweyne,
First ^ in this londe, and afterwarde in Fraunce,
And give hym grace to lyve to thy plesaunce, 82

And ay preserve vnder'thy myghty honde, i MS. Fri.st.
Hym and liys moder, thy peple and thy londe. 84

E.xplicit.

42. CPJSTES PASSIOUK
[MS. Laiul Misc. 683, leaves 12 to 14, back.]

Here is a compley/(t \at crist maketh of his

paSSioU/i. [lean 2]

(1)

Man, to refourme thyn exil and thy loos
— Fro paradys, place of moost plesaunce,
I hang here. The to restore, I hange vp-on this Croos,

Crowned with thorn, woundid with a launce,
Handis and flfeet, tencres of my grevaunce,

With sharpe naylles my blood maad renne dou?J ;
Whan-ener thou felyst tjrouble or perturbau?;ce,
Looke on my wou??dis, thynk on my passioun.'

For thee,

man,

MSS. Laud 683, leaves 12 to 14 hack = L ; Harley 372, leaves 54,
55 =H ; Harlev 7333, leaves 147 and back = h ; B. M. Adds. 31042,
leaf 94 and back, leaf 96 = A ; Canib. Un. Lib. K k. 1, 6, leaves 194
to 196 = C ; Trill. Coll. Canib. R. 3, 27, leaves 189, back, to 193, back
= T. Headings : An exhortacion?t of the crucifix H. Here nowe
folowitlie and Begyiniethe a devoute coinpleynte off the passiouiie of
ourelordelliesusL'ristemadebylidgate. with ])e Kefiayde man theiike
on my Passioune, &c., h. Hie Incipit quedain Tractatus Passionis
Yiomim nostri Icsa Christii in Anglice. Passionis Cristi Cantus A.
Here begynneth an holy meditacion to oure loide criste lesus hang-
yng on the Croose . •. = compiled k made by lohn lidgate late a Monke
of the house of Seynt Ednu(?(d of Berye on whose sowle God haue
mercy. Amen. C. lydgate vpon Christis passyon (title in Stow's
hand) T. 3 hangyd T. hoiige h C. on C. this] ]>e h A. a T.
4 ))e thorne A. the launce A. 5 to enciese TA. of] om.ThA.
gravauncc] penaunce h. 6 to ren h. 7 felis A. or any ins. A.
8 and thynke ins. T.

Cristcs Passioun.

217

Tliyiik aiul remeinbre vpon my V>looi]y fface,

The reed, tlie sponge, eysel ineynt -witli gallo,
Fel rebukys, 0 man, ffor thy trespace !

Hatful spittyng on my vysage fl'allo, 12

Kyng of lewis of scorn tliey gan me Calle,
Ijlyndfellid, Lobbyd by ti'als derysioun ;
^laii, for ]n comfort among \)i troublis alle.

Looks on my woiindis, thynk on my passioun ! 16

Think of My
sorrows.

(3)
Thynk on the veyl that went assonder than,

On Caluary, wlian I gaff vp the goost;
Remembre in ffygure vp-on the pellycan

Stonge to the herte, bleedyng in euery coost, 20

Pale and dedly whan al my blood was loost, [leaf 12, back]
Dyes on my garnement throwen vp Sc down ;
— Man, in al myschef, whan tliou art troubled most,

Looke on my woundys, thynk on my passioun. 24

Think of the
Crucifixion.

(4)
The bitter chalis of mj mortal suffrau?«ce,

Eemembre tlieron, of frendly kyndenesse,
The rounde ropis streynyng with gret penaurice,
My tendre lemys maad feynt for febylnesse,
Bounde to a peleer by violent sturdy nesse.
To make a seeth for thv transgressiouu \
For cheef comfort in al wordly dystresse

Remembre among vpon my passioun.

X

•28 My pains.

32

10 real] rood T. emeynte h. mengyd T A. 11 Full fele iiis. A,
0] J)ow h. 12 With hatefull ins. A. spetyuges h. fat on ins. A.
diile fall ins. A. 13 ^e luwe.s ins. h. o/] in C A. with h. can h.
dideA. me\oiii.T. 14 and bobbed nis. h. derusion?j ^/c h. 15 0
man ins. A. 16 and thynk ins. T. 17 c/;] of T. in soudre A.
assondur C. 20 stongen A. in everi blediug truste h. 21 full
dedely ins. A. 22 h substitutes this line: At pe dees pey pleyde

for my clo))es doune. Dees C H. Dyse A. 23 al Jiy ins. C A.

24 and thynk ins. T. 26 the ther one ins. A. kyndnes A H h.

27 Thc'i ^a't h. rapis A. streynid h. 28 y made A. 29 tapyler C.
tajiileci H. pilowrsh. pelare A. pylou/- T. violent] (nil grete h.
30 sethe T. asseth C H. 31 line om. h. O man for thi chefe A.
worldely C. thi A. 32 among] the h. the amonge A.

218 Cristes Passioun.

(5)
Cressettys born vp with many gret lanterne,

^ Svverdis, stavis, scoorges Inportable,
Cryeng terryble, hydous to Dyscerne,

Fals accusacyouns verray Innumerable, 36

Knyves, pynsou72S, hard liameris uat plicable,

Craunpisshed. with deth, accused of tresoun ;
And sith my detli was to the profytable,

Man thynk among vpon my passioun.^ 40

(6)
The scalyd ladder vp to 'pe cros strecchyng,

Wich vertuous baner put fendya to pe flight ;
Kokkys crowyng, onkynde folk rebukying, [leaf i3]
That slombre and slepe pe longe wynteris nyght ; 44
Bit hem a-wake, & \v/t/i ther Inward sight

Looke on my tormentis, of equyte and resoun,
W/t/i goostly gladnesse, to make ther herte light,

Ech hour & moment, thynk on my passioun. 48

All was done Al this was doon, 0 man, for love of the !

— A standard splayed, thy lord slayn in that fight,
On a sepulcre lay closed dayes thre,

Stonys rooff assonder, the sonne lost his lyght, 52

Helle robbyd thorugh myn Imperyal myght, —

Callyd of luda the hardy strong lyoun, —
0 man, remembre, I aske of the but ryght,

Gyff me the thank, thynk on my passioun ! ' 56

33 born vp] of fuire h. grct] bright h. lanhes sic h (prob. corr.
fr. lambes). 35 Grennyiige h. horrible h. horayViily A T.

hydeous T. 36 rerrai/] om. h. full verrey ins. A. 37 AVepons
pysons hamoris vnplicable h. 38 dcth'] teethe h. of] with h.

39 sen that ins. A. to the was so ins. A. 40 0 man ins. A. ay
on h. in thy trowbyll thynke on T. 42 JFich] \Xith C T.

vermes T. With vertuose loners pntt fendis to the fiyghte A.
'With which wertues lovers put feondis to flight h. ])e] om. T.
43 Crowing of Crokes sic h. crawynge A. folkes A. 44 Slomers
ne slepe h. 45 Bit] \Vith h. tawake h. d-] om. T. 46 and of
ins. T. man with ]>j Resoun h. 47 to] om. h. ther] your h.

hertes T h A. 48 our C. viomcnt] tynie h. to thynke ins. T.

49 the lufe ins. A. 50 Jie banier h. the fyghte A. 51 And

in a sepulture T. sepulture A. a] om.\\. he lay for h. 52 fe
Roches roofe h. raue T. assonder] om. h. |)anDe loste A. lygh
sic C. 53 hell was i7is. T. erobbed h. thorugh myn] by Crista
thurghe A. 56 the] thi h. and thynke ins. AT. & remembre

i)is. C. thi passione h.

Cristes Passioun.

219

I flfought for the a fful greet batayll,

Ageyu Sathan the tort[a]ous serpent,
XakyJ on the cros withoute i)late or mayll,

Bood in the ffehl tyll al my blood was spent ; 60

To Wynne thy love this was niyn Entent,

On to that ende I was tliy Cliampioun ;
To flfynde thy salve my tlessh was al to-rent,

Whan thou art woundid, thynk on my passioun. 64

I fought for
thee.

(9)
Stood afore bisshopes, ther fond I no respight,

Smet by ther mynystris in the consistorie,
Broulit to Herowdis, sent horn ageyn in whight, [leans, bk.]
Clad lyk a ffoole, the gospel maketh memorye, 68

Pilatys wasshittg for a fals veynglorye ;

Salued a scorn, clad by Collusioun
In purpel hewe, blyndfellid in their pretorie,

Eegystre al this, thynk on my passiou??. 72

(10)

And, but thow do, sothly thow art onkynde ;

Be lawe of resou« preved inexcusable,
Alle these tokenys enprente hem in \)[ mende,
Geyn euery-thyng that in pe is coupable,
Blood and water ben bycours most vaylable,^

To wasshe of synne all old corrupcyoun,
"Water of baptem, most gracious & notable,
Meynt with the blood of my fel passioun.

76

Imprint
all this in
mind.

80

57 in a ins. h. f>S tortuojif:] T H h. tortuos A. tortoiis L.
turtuous C. the] ^at h. 69 with owten A. 61 lliat was my
hole h. 62 And for that eonde h. that] the A. 63 thy] tlie h T.
soule A. renett sic A. 64 sounde h. 65 I stode iyis. A. Tofore
the hisshopis I fonde noo Kefute h. respyte C respyht H. 66
sore sniiten ine oft in 1 eir h. Suede A. Smytten A. ther] tlie T.
67 heravde h. whiht H. whyte T h C. 68 the om. h. mathe
niensioun h. makes A. 69 a] om. h. 70 a] of T. for h.

conclusyoun A. 71 In all purpill clojied li. 7'2 theos thing''5 li.
and thynke ins. TAG. 73 do so iiis. T. do man ins. A. ert C.
74 By law k Right h. 75 put |)ow hene in mynde h. 76 Ageinst
all h. Sevnge A. thynke.sjc A. 78aZ^]andhA. & al C. old]
the T.

220

Cristes Passioun.

Loiigius"
sjjear

founded the
Church.

(M)
Of thes two lycours kam al ])e sacrementis,

In noumbre sevene, by Coniputacyoun,
To alle that folwe my ten comau7jdenientis,

Eeffuge ordeyned to ther salvacyoun, 84

For hooly churche took first fundacyoun,

Whan Longions spere thorugh myn herte E.au,
And blood & water went be my sides doun,

Tyme of my passioun, f>e byldyng lirst began. 88

(12)
Consummatum est, said wlian al was doo.
The theef of paradis maad a Cyteseyn,
I Callyd Goddys Sone be Century o, (leafHj

Of Joseph buryed thre dayes, in serteyn, 92

Lay in my grave, and ^Marie ]\Iawdeleyn
Waytyng devoutly my Resurecyoun ;
Thynk, with al this, how Adam was ageyn

Restoryd to loie thorugh my meek passioun. 96

(13)
Proofs of My Tokenvs palpable, cleer as tlie sonne-beem,

Godhead. . J r r > >

Were in that hour shewed ageyn nature,
Whan bodyes roos, kam to lerusaleem,

Ther bonys loyned, out of ther sepulture, 10()

Lyfly apperid to many a cryature ;

Pilat also, as maad ys mencyoun,
Wroot dyuerse lettirs, merveyllous of scripture,

Greek, Ebrew, Latyn, tyme of my passioun.-^ 104

Man, calle to minde, and meekly do aduerte,

How Symeon seide in his prophesye,
A swerd of sorwe sholde jierce to the herte,

81 lychorus D. kam'] om. A. 83 felowe A. 86 lonsies C.
hert C. 87 And] om. h. xvent] ranne li. a downne A. 88 The
tyme nis. A. ])\\\. that A. 89 IsaideAT. 90 choof h sjc.
91 And I f/).9. h. 93 leyd in my grave by h. Jlari C. 94 one
my A. 95 teas] om. h. 96 mcck^ om. h. 97 als clere as h.
the]om.h. 99 and come A. 100 The bones assembled h. 102
base made this mencyone A. 103 wrot H. -with b. 104 Ebrue
& latyne h. ))e tyme h A. in tyme T. _ 105 0 man r/is. A. do]
om. T. do and h. 107 scholde perche' A. shall pcrysshe the T.

A Spying of the Nightingale. 221

Of my moodir, that Callyd is jMarye, 108

Stood with Seyii John, swowncd at Calvarie,

Vnder my cros for febilnesse fyl doun,
Man, at thy lyf, and liour whan \ixl shalt dio,

Geyn froward Sathan, thynk on my passioun. 112

(15)
lenvoye.
Go, lytel bylle, with al liumylyte li«af 1 1, baoki Go, uttic

Hang affore lesu, that list for man to bleede, hank befoio

To-fore his cros pray folk that shal the see,

Onys aday this comploynt IFor to reede ; IIG

^0 losse of tyme, thou slialt )je better speede

Redyest weye to ther saluacyoun,'
No bettir soconr, nor support in your needc, Bid people

' ^' "^ . think of

Than offte thynkyng on Crystys passioun.'^ 120 Him.

J^'XPLICIT.

43. A SEYING OF THE NIGHTINGALE.

[MS. Trill. Coll. MS. R. 3. 20, pp. 337 to 348.]

' Loo }7us endel^e here pappistel of f^e Regiment of
Prynces j'e whiche daun Aristotiles weel avised
wrote vn-to j'e King Alexander and Slowing nowe
here nexst beginnepe a seying of j^e Nightingale
ymagyned and compyled by Lydegate daun Johan
fe monk of Bury. [lage 337]

(1)
In luygne whan Tytan was in l)e Crabbes hed, On a lovely

•' ° •' ' day 111 June,

Towardes ev^en fe saphyre liuwed sky

lOS dere modir {?(.?. A. ys callyd T. 109 saiict li. swoning h.
Ill at t)Oure J)ou h. and the ins. A. 113 One littill while sic A.
114 list] laste h. 115 his] J)e h. 116 of the day C. one the

daye A. 117 they schall S. 118 J'e Radiest weye tilloure h.

most Redyest ins. T. tlier] thy T. 119 nor] and A. l^aire A.
cure T. 120 to thynke A. on] of H. Then oft thynke T.

Colophon: E.xplicit T h. oin. H h. Explicit Passio Christi A.
Here enduth this holy pi-eyere to the lord Criste I<?s(/s hangyng on
the Cro93e .•. Yeni domine lesu . •. C. (Stow adds lydgate, in, T).

MSS. Trin. Coll. Cam. R. 3. 20, leaves 337 to 318 = T : B.M.
Harley 2251, 229 to 234 = H ; Adds. 29729, leaves 161 to 166 = A.
Title, A sayenge of the nyghtyngale H {in Stoive's hand), Here
folowinge begynneth {etc. as in T.) A. 1 pc] om. H.

222

A Seying of the Nightingale.

wlien the
birds had
finished
even-song,

Was westwarde meynt with many rowes red,

And fowles singen in Jieyre melodye

An hevenly complyne with sugred ermonye, 5

As J)at hem nature taught poo for J>e best,
Jjey gane hem proygne, and droughe hem to peyre rest,

I lay ill a

valley,
listening to
a nightin-
gale.

(2)
)5at sithe pe tyme, for soupe, pat I was borne, 8

Hade I not herde suche song in dovne ner daale,
And alle were goone, sauf vpon a thorne
J3e saame tyme I herde a Nightingale,
So as I lay pensyf in a vale [page 338] 12

To herken pe menyng of hir melodye
AVhos hertely refreyde was euer " ocy, ocy." 14

(3)
I understood She mant, I trowe, with hir notes nnwe

that she . i ■ i • i i

was asking And m hir ledne, on Ve?ms to taake vengeauuce

Venus for _^

vengeance Ou lals louei's wlieeclie pat beon vntruwe,

on lalse a j i r i ^ c

lovers. Ay lul 01 cliaunge and oi varyaunce,

And can in oone to haue no pleasaunce, 19

)3is bridde ay song, " 0 slepe hem, lady myn,
With-outen mercy, and bring hem to hir fyii,

(4)
"To shewe ensaumple, pat oper may wel knowe

Howe pat pey shal in hir troupe abyde :
For par dy, lady, yit py sones bowe

Nys not broke, which called is Cupyde,
Let him mark hem and wownde hem in pe syde 26
With-outen mercy er any remedye,
Wher so pat he suche falshode can espye. 28

But true
lovers
should be
helped.

(5)
" And suche as beon for loue langwysshing,

Cherisshe hem, lady, for truwe affeccyoun.
Support and help hem with py might to bring

3 westward H. Eslwarde T A. 4 ni] om. H. 6 hem that H.
\oo'\ om. H. 9 ne A. nor H. 14 ocylocy A. 15 ment H A.
24 paide H. 26 them H. 27 AVitliout A. or H A. 28 false-
hede H. fallsed A. 30 them A. affectyons A.

A Scying of the Ni(j1itin(jal&,

223

In-to ))}• CastcH, set in Cytheron

On dyamainulis sotte is )je dungooun, 33

Fiette Nvith Eubyes and Enierawdes greene
Nowe licrke my song, pat art of love )je qweene." 35

(6)
And as I lay and herde hir tonys cleere,

And on hir notes me gretly gan delyte,
Vpon )3e eve })e sterres did appeere,

))e bavmy vapour of graasys gan vpsmyte.
In to myn heued of floures rede and whyte
]iat Avith ]>e oilonr, er pat I tooke keepe,
1 felle anoon in to a dedly sleepe.

(7)
And panne me sempte fronie \q god of loue

To me Avas sent an vnkoupe messagier, [page 339]
Nought frome Cupyde hut fro pe lord aboue ;

And as me thought ful fayre and fresshe of cheere,
"Which to me sayde " Foole what doost pou here 47
Sleping alloone, gaping vpon pe moone 1
Eysse, folowe me, and pou shalt se right soone 49

(8)
An vnkoupe sight, if pou list pee spede,

)3e briddes song I shal to pee vncloose j

For trust me Aveel I cast pee not to lede

No thing towardes pe gardin of pe roose,

And I py spirit shal oper-wyse dispoose 54

For to declare pe briddes song ' ocy,'

And Avhat scheo menepe in sentence truwly. 56

(9)
)3yne aduertence is gouuerned wrong

Touching pe toynes pou haddest here to-forne ;
' Occy, Occy ■' pis was pe briddes song,

Which many a lover hape thorugh foly lorne.

But thenk amonge vpon pe sharpe thorne 61

Which prickepe hir brest with fyry remembraunce,
Louers in vertu tencresce hem and avaunce. 63

35 lierekne H. 36 twnes H A. 41 or H A. 43 that from
iris. H. 45 from A. 47 dostow H. 49 and} om. H. 50 pet]
to H. 68 twnes H. herdest H. 60 thurgli H. 62 priked H.
fyry'] fayre H. 63 to encres H. hem] om. H. them A.

40

42 I fell asleepv

I dreamed
an angel
sumnioiiexl
me,

to under-
stand the
true mean-
ing of the
song.

224

A Seying of tJie Nightingale.

Shfi praises
pure love.

Do not
forget.

75

77

(10)
J3is briddes song whicJl J^at Ave haue on honde,

Who pat take pe moralytee,
Betokenepe pleynly for to vnderstonde
]je gret frauncliyse, pe gret liberte
Whicti shoulde in loue beo so pure and free 08

Of truwe menyng rooted so with-Inne
Fer frome ]>e conceyte of any maner synne. 70

(11)
See how she Take J)0\ve noon heede how pis bridde so smal
herself with SingepB as pat she W'olde hir-self dismenibre,
.singing. Streynepe hir throte, peynepe hir btest at al,

Shakepe and qwakipe in euery loynt and membre,
0 man vnkynde, why doost pou not remembre
Amonge in hert vn-to pis briddes song] [ipage 340]
1 Yif pou aduert, pou doost to God gret wronge.

(12)
Joou art deceyued in pyne opynyoun

And al awrong al so pou doost goo,
Feynt and vntruwe pyn exposiciora, .

)3yne vnderstonding py conceyte bope two.
)3is bridde in soope ne menepe no-thing so ; 82

For hir singyng, whoso takepe heede,
No-thing resounepe in-to flesslilyhed. 84

(13)

Touching " Occy," consider weel pe word,

Jjis bridde it song of inpacj'^ence,
Of Iniuries doone vn-to pe lord,

And wrong[es] gret[e] to his magnyfyence
Of worldely folk, thorugh peyre gret offence, 89

Which, cane not knowe for peyre reklesnesse
J5e grete loue, pe grete kyndenesse, 91

(U)
Which he shewed for peyre alder goode
Whane pat he, yif pey koude aduerte,

She sings

nothing

profane,

but the
pains of our
Lord,

64 )iat\ om. H. 65 takith H. 75 dostow H. 84 vii to H.
87 iniures A. doo H. 91 grde] H A. gret T. 92 alder] oldr
T H. ould A.

A Seyiw] of the Nightiicgnlc.

22o

For ])pyre saake sterfE vpofi ))e Roode

And with a spere was stoiigen thorugli pe liert,
Who felt eiier for loue so gret a smert 96

As thilke lord did for inaunes saake !
And yit, alias, noon heed J)er-of pey taake ! 98

(15)
To paye pe raunsoun of our gret losse

He was in loue so gentyle and so free
)5at hym deyned be nayled on pe crosse,
And lyche a theof hong vpon a tree ;
LifEt vp pyne hert, vnkynde man, and see
\)Q nightingale in hir arnionye,
)5U3 day and night doo}>e vpoii fe crye.

(16)
Sheo cryed " Slee al jjoo J>at beon vnkynde.
And cane of loue fe custume not obse/oie,
J7or in feyre eyg&en no drope of pyte fynde,
Nor in Jjeyre brest for loue no sighe conseme ;
"Why list fee lord, for mannes saake sterve [page sii]
But for to paye of fredam J^e raunsoun,
His hert[e] blood for ))eyre redempcioun ] "

Hees wowndes fyve for man he did vncloose
Of hondes, of feet, and of his fayre syde ;
Make of pees fyve, in Jjyn hert a roose
And let it peer contynuelly abyde,
Forget hem not wher fou goo or ryde 117

Gadre on heepe pees rosen floures fyve.
In py memorye enprynt hem al py lyve. 1 19

(13)
))is is pe Roos which first gan wexen reed,

Spreynt ouer al with dropes of paurpur huwe,

Whan Cryst les\x was for mankynde ded

And hade vpon a garnement ful nuwe, 123

wlio died Tur
us.

103

She cries
day and
105 night:

"Slay all
ungrateful
ones who do
not think of
Christ."

110
112

His five
wound-s.

They make
the rose of
the Cross.

His holy moder, his Cousin eek Saint Johan,
Suche array to-fore saughe pey neer noon.

125

95 thursh H. 97 thilke] \>iVs. T H A. 99 grete H. 101 vpon H.
106 bien H. be A. 108 len Heghen A. 115 i«] H. ofTA.
118 on an ins. H. 119 prynt H. emprynt A. 125 neu«r H.
LVDOATE, M. P. Q

226

A Seying of the Nightingale.

Who might
fear that
sight ?

This is He
whom Isaiah
saw.

(19)
Wbicli to beholde God Avot ]?ey wer not feyne

His blessed body to seen so al to-rent,
A crowne of tborne prtt throbbed thorugb his breyne,
And al |3e blood of his body spent ;
His hevenly eyeglien, alias, deefe hape eblent, 130

Who niiglit for routbe susteyne and to beholde
But pat his hert of pytee shoulde colde? 132

(20)
]?is war fe saame wdiicli })at Isaye.

Saugli frome Edome came, with his cloope depeynt
Steyned in Bosra, eeke did him aspye

Baafed in blood, til he gan wexen feynt. 13G

)5is is he pat drank eyseli and galle emeynt,
])\s, is he ])at was to-fore Pylate atteynt.
With false accusours in the Consistoryo,
Oonly to bring niankynde to his glorye. 140

(21)
He was moost feyre founden, in his stoole

Walkyng of vertues with mooste nniltytude,
Blessed, beningne and hevenly of his scoole.

Which with his souffrance Satlian can conclude,[page 342]
His humble dethe did |)e deuel delude, 145

Whane he mankynd brought out of prysoun,
Making his fynaunce Avith his passyoun. 147

(22)

Isaiah askfd YsavB te moost reno^uned prophete.

Him vvliy / , . , • , -, •

His pftrment Axed of hini, Avhy his garnenient,

Was red and blody, ful of dropes Avete,
So disguysed was his vestyment ;

Lyke hem )5at pressin quayers of entent 152

In fe pressour, bofe Jie rede and whyte.
So Avas he pressyd ])y Eaunsoun fi)r to quyte. 154

He van-
quished the
Devil.

128 tlnilled H A. thurgh H. 130 len Hagghen A. Oblent
H. 131 to] om. H. 133 was H A. I saye'] I yow say T H A
{sec GJaming, note on this line). 134 come H. cane A. 136
wonen H. 137 galle and eysel H. I meynt H
141 fayre H A. fonnJe H A. 143 stoole H A.
148 renoraed H. reiioumed A. 152 them A.

ins. H. Ifi4 raunsome A.

138 afore H.
144 can] om. H.
153 and the

A Scying of the NijktiiKjalc.

227

(23)

" Hit is I," quod ho, " fat trade it al allone.

With-outen felawe I gane pe wyn outpresse,
Wliane on )'e crosse I made a deolful moonc

And thoron;:::;!! niyn liert })e sperched gan hit dresse,
Wlio felt euor so passyng grot duresse? — 159

"Wliane alle my freondes alloone mo forsooke
And I my self ))is iourne on me tooke. 101

(•24)

"It is I,"
Kaid He,
" that trod
the wiiie-

jiress,
all alone,

<(

Excepte my moder fer durst noon abyd

Of my discyplos J)at weron me suwendo :
Saynt lohan for lone stoode by myn ofer sydo,

Alle ])e remenaunt fro me dyden weende.

)je lewes my liesshe a-sondre dyden reende
Who was it but I pat aboode in ])e vyne
To presse out wyne, f>y raunsoun for to fyne '?

(25)
" For mannes saake witli me ful harde it stoode,

For-sakefa of alle and eeke descoiisolate ;
})ey lefft no drope, but druwe out al my blood ;
Was neuer noon so pore in noon estate,
Alle my descyples letft me desolate

Vpofi pe crosse, bytwene theoves tweyne,
And noon aboode to rewe vpofi my peyne.

savp for My
mother
Hiid Joliiu

166
168

173
175

(26)

" Go yee alle )3at passen by fe wey,

Lifft A'p J>e oghe of youre aduertence !
SaAve yee euer any man so dye

With-outen gilt, fat neuer did offence ?
Or is per ony sorowe in existence
Lyche fe sorowe pat I did endure
To bye mankyndo, vnkynde creature?

(page 3431

180

182

Saw ye ever
man so die?

155 r\ om. H. 156 With out A. 158 thurgh H. 163 ]<at
weren me suwerule] for to suweii me T H. for to follow me A.
164 by] on H. 165 diden flee H. dyd wend A. 166 rend H A.
167 bode H. 168 oxd] the H. 171 dewe H. drewe A. 176
alle ye A. wye A. 177 le H. 178 dcye H.

Q 2

228

A Seying of the Nightingale.

(27),
"All was for " For \q surfeyte of fy synnes alle,
And for foffence of J>y wittes fyve,
My touche, my taast, niyn hering did appalle,
Smellyng and siglit ful feoble were nls blyue,
)5us in yche party fat man may contryve
I sutfred peyne, and in euery membre
)pat any man can reken or remembre.

187
189

For man's
sin I felt all
the pain.

(•28)
" Ageyne pe synnes pleynly of pyn hede

I hade vpoii a crowne of thornes keene ;
Bitter teres were medled with my bred,
For mannes trespas I felt all fe teene,
Myne eyen blynde fiat whylome shoono so sheene, 194
And for man in my thrust most feel,
I drank galle tempred with eyseel. 196

Against his
sins I was
jierfect in
all.

(29)
"For mannys looking fulfilled with outrage,

And for his tonge ful of detraccyoun,
I alloone souffred fie damage,

And ageyne falshede of adulacion
I drank galle poynaunt as poysoun ;
Ageyns hering of tales speken in veyne
I hade rebuyk and sayde no worde ageyne.

201
203

I was
beaten,
nailed to
a tree,
and slain.

(30)
"Geyne pryde of beaute, where as folkes trespas,

I suffred my-self gret aduersytee,
Beten and benchyd in myn ovven face,
Ageyns touching, if men list to see,
Myne handes were nayled fast vn-to f e tree ; 208

And for misfootyng, where men went wrong,
My feet thorugh jiercyd, were not my peynes strong?

183 forfeyte A. 184 ])!/] thy H A. my T. 187 ^uarilT/] part
T H. port A. can H. 194 My H. 195 ^w/] But H. thurst
H A. 202 Ageyu tales heryng H. 206 bonched H A. owne H A.
210 thurgh H.

A Scying of the Nightingale.

229

(31)

" Was it not I ]>at trespassed nought, 211

)jat liad iiiyne liert perced even atwcyne,
And neuer ofended oonys in a thought, :iat'c844j

Yit was it kerve thoriigli in euery veyne 1
Who felt euer in eorjje so gret peyne
To reken al giltles as did I ?
Wher-for ])is br/dde sang ay, ' occy, occy ' 217

"Thus the
bird sang,
'Slay

(32)

" Suclie as beon to me founde vnkyiidc

And haue no mynde kyndely of lesoun,
But of slouthe haue elefft byliynde

)3e hole renienibraunce of my passyoun,
By meene of whicli and mediacyonn 222

Ageyne al poysonn of })e synnes seven
Tryacle I brought, sent hem doun frome heveii. 224

all those tlat
be unkind.

(33)

" Ageyns pryde, Remembre my meeknesse,

Geyne coveytyse thenk on my pouerte,
Ageyne lechclierye thenk on my clennesse,
Ageyns envye thenk on my charytee,
Ageyns gloutonye aduerte iu hert and se 229

How ])at I for mannes gret offence
Fourty dayes lyved in abstynence." 231

(34)

Of meeknesse he did liis heued enelyne

Ageyns pe synue and pe vyce of pryde,
Ageyns envye streght out as a lyne,
Spradde his amies out on euery syde
Tenbrace liis freondes and witli hem abyde, 236

Shewing hem signes, who so list to see,
Grounde of his peynes was parfyt charyte. 238

Remember
how I with-
stood all
tempta-
tions."

213 once A. 214 kevne A. 215 grete a iiis. H. 220 I
left H. 221 hole] holy H. 224 heDi] om. H. 227 Ageynst
H. 228 Ageust H. 230 grd] om. A. 232 mekenesse H.

heical] om. U. 233 Ayeiist "H. 2ZQ liiie om.ii. them A.

237 them A. signes] H A. signet T.

230

He was

generous,

as I shall
sliow in
detail.

A Seyivg of the Nigliiingah.

(35)
Ageyns coueytyse, mankynde to redresse

Tborug!i-nayled weren his hooly handis tweyne,
Shewing of fredam a bounteuouse almesse
Whane he for loue suflfred so gret peyne,
To make mankynde his bhsse to atteyne.
And his largesse to rekken by and by
I shal rehers his gifftes ceryously.

243
245

He gave
His body to
man,

His soul,
w;iter from
His side,

(36)
He gaf his body to man for chief repaast, [page 345]

Restoratyff best in ])e fourme of bred,
At his maundee or he hennes past

His blessed blood in fourme of wyn ful red,
His soule in prys whanne })at he wasded,
And of oure synnes as cheef lauender
Out of his syde he gaf vs water cleere.

250

252

His vest-
ment to the
Jews,

His dead
body to His
disciples.

His mother
to St. John,

and His
spirit to
God.

(37)
He gaf also his pourpur vestement

To ]je lewys ))at did him crucefye.
To his apostilles he gaf eeke of enteut
His blessed bodye, ded whane he did lyo.
And his moder )?at cleped was Marye,
}3e keping of hir he gaf to Saynt John

And to his fader

iiis goost whane hit was goon.

257

259

He con-
quered each
lit the deadly
shis.

(;:s)

Ageyns slouthe lie shewed gret doctryne

Whane he him hasted towardes his passyoun,
Ageynst-wrathe ))is was his dicyplyne
Whane he was ]jrought texamynacyoun,
A sofft aunswere with-oute rebellyoun,

Ageynst gloutounye he drank eysell and galle
Toppresse sourfaytes of vycyous folkes alle.

264
2G6

239 Agenst H. 240 Thiirgli H. 241 a] Lis H. 248

mauntlyA. 249 /m/] so H. 250 price H. 251 synne H.

252 cliere H. 255 ecke] also H. 259 hit] he H. 260 Ayenst H.
261 toward H. 263 to H A. 266 surfayte H.

A ScT/ing of the Niijlitiiujnlc.

231

(;59)

He gaf also a ful gret reinedye

To mankyiiJ hii* sores for to souiuic ;
For ageyne J)e heete of lechclierye

Meekly lie souiYred many a greuous wownde,
For noon hoole skyn was on his body founde,
Nor jser was seyne o}>er apparayle
lUit blood, alias, aboute his sydes raylle !

(40)
|5or he was sone and his fadres hcyre

"With him alloone by peternytee.
Hit was a thing incomparable feyre

)3e sone to dye to make his s^niaunt free,
Him frauncliysing with suche libe?'tee ;

To make man ))at was thorugh synne thralle
}3e court tenheryte above celestyal.

(-H)
Jjeos kyndnesses wlieeche I to fee reherce, [rage 346]

Let hem devoyde frome jjoblyuyoun,
And let pe nayles wheche thoroughe is feet did perce
Ben cleere myrour of ])y redempcyoun.
Enarme J)y-self for py protecc?oim

Whanne Jjat fe feondes list ageyns fee stryve,
With fe carrectes of his wowndes fyve.

(42)

Ageyns feyre malyce beo strong and weel ware,

Al of his crosse aryse vp fe banyer,
And thenk how he to Caluarye it bare

To make fee strong ageyns feyre daungier ;
"Which whane fey seen, fey dare come no meer,
For trust weel, his crosse is best defence
Ageynst fe power of feondes vyolence.

271
273

278

280

It was an
incompar-
ably fair
thins;,
the sou to
<iie, to make
the servant
free.

Let these
kindnesses
keep thee
from for-
getting Hini.

285

287

292

His cross

on ( '^ ^^^^
-.J± defence.

268 hir'\ his H. tlier H. 272 sene no A. 273 ravUe] ryall A.
275 the H. 276 favre H. 279 thuit,'h H. 280 to H A.

281 These H. thos A.' kvndenesses A H. kyndnes A. 282 hem]
hyin H. them A. 282 Hyni H. TliemA. 283 his HA. 284
Be a ins. H. of] for H. 286 ageyu H. 237 correctes A. 289
Reyse H.

2:32

A Seying of the Nightingale.

It is the
Palm of
Victory,

Key of
Heaven,

(43)
Hit is pe palme, as clerkis can weel telle,

To a man in eorj^e to conquest and victorye,
It is J)e tree, -\vhicll |)at Danyeli

Sawe spradde so broode, as makid is memorye ;
Jje keye of heven, to bring men to glorye,
J5e staff of lacob causing alle sure grace,
WitB whicR fat hee lordan did paase.

299
301

Hook of the

Leviathan,

Harp of
Uavid,

(44)

Scale and laddre of oure a'scencyoun,
Hooke and snaare of )3e Levyatan,
)3e strong pressour of oure redempcycoun,

On Avhicll \)Q bloode doune by his sydes rane,
For no thing ellys but for to saue man,

)5e harp of Dauid, which mooste might avayle
Whane pat \% fconde Kyng Saule did assayle.

306

308

the Tree of
Moses,

(45)
Jjis "was pe paale, and fe lieeghe tree

Whylome sette vp by Moyses of entent,
Al Israel, beholde neghe and see

And jjer vpon off brasse a gret serpent,
Which to beholde, whoo were not necgligente.
Eeceyued helthe, salue and medecyne
Of all feyre hurtes fat were serpentyne.

313
315

Candle of
the Taber-
nacle,

(46)
)5is banier is moste mighty of vertu [i'age347)

Geyns feondes defence mighty and cheef obstacle
Mooste noble staue and token of Tayu
To Esechyel shewed by myracle.
Chief chaundellabre of fe tabernacle,

Wher through "svas caused al his cleere light
Voyding al derknesse of fe cloudy night.

320

322

295 jmlme:] pallis. 296 a] oin. H A. 298 made H. 299
keye] kepe A. 302 asccncyown] Redempcionn H. 308 assaye A.
309 i)Oole H. pale A. 313 JFAoo] o?;?. H. 318 stawc] signe'H A.
318 You H. chayue A. 321 thorugh A.

A Scyimi of the Niyhtingah'.

233

(47)

)jis was ))e tree of iiiaiikyndes boote,

)jat stynt hir wratlie nml brouglit in al ))e i)ees,
Wliicli made ])e water of niara|)e fresli and swoote,
\)Ai was to-forne moost bitter, doutelesse,
})is was pe j'erde of wer))y Moyses,

WliifJi made Jie cliildren of IsraeH go free
And drye fotyd tliorongll ])e Red See.

the Wand of
Moses,
i'lt

329

(48)

This was ))e slyiig wliicJi ■wit/i stoones fyve

Worthy David, as bookes specefye,
Gan fe liede and })e lielnie to ryve
Of pe Geant pat called was Golye,
Wheeclie fyve stoones taking falegorye 334

Ar J)e fyve woundes, as I rehers can,
With wheeche ]jat Cryst venqwysslit ha]) Sathan. 336

tlie Sling of
David.

(49)

0 synful soule ! why nyltowe taken keepe

Of his peynes remembring on pe shoures?
Forsaake pe worlde, and waake oute of Jjy sleep
And to \ie gardeyn of parfyt paramours
Maake }>y passage, and gader fer ])y floures

Of verray vertu, and chaunge al fyne olde lyff ;
And in Jiat gardyfi beo contemplatyff. 343

Forsake the

world,

sinner,
Q , , and flee to
3 4 i the garden

of perfect

lovers.

(50)

For |)is worlde here booj^e at even and morowe,

Who list consider aright in his resoun,
Is but an exyle and a desert of sorowe,
!Meynt ay with trouble and tribulacyoun ;
But who list fynde consolacyoun 348

Of goostely loye, let him pe worlde forsake [ragesisi
And to Jjat gardin ]je right wey[e] take, 350

This world

is but an
exile.

?23 mankynde H A. 324 bou.cht A. 326 doutles H. 329
thurgli H. ouerA. Rede H. 336 venquisshed H. ]ia]}]om.\{.
344 For] From H. 346 It is ins. H.

23-t

A Seying of the Nightingale.

The God of
Love sits in
that garden,
upon a hill,

calling His
Spouse.

" Come to
my garden.

He calls
her sister
and spouse.

His sister,
by affinity
of grace.

and by His
own nature,
born of a

maid.

(51)
Wher as fat god of lone him-self dope dvvelle

Vpofl an hille, fer frome J)e mortal vale,
Canticorum J)e book ful weel can telle,

Calling his spouse witR sugred notes smale
"Where fat ful lowd famerous nightingale 355

Vpon a thorne is wont to calle and crye
To mannys soule with hevenly ermonye, 357

(52)
Veni in ortum meum, soror mea.

"Come to my gardyn and to myn herber grene

My fayre suster and my spouse deere,
Frome filthe of synne by vertu made al clene
With Cristal paved faleys beon so clere.
Come, for I calle." Anoon, and fou shalt here, 362
Howe Cryst Ihesu, so blessed mot he be !
Callefe mannys soule of parfyte charyte. 364

(53)
He callefe hir suster and his spouse also,

First his suster, who-so list to see.
As by his nature, take goode heede here-to.
Full nyghe of kyn by consanguynyte.
And eeke his spouse by affynytee, 369

I mene as pus baffynyte of grace
With goostely loue, whane he hit doope enbrace. 371

(5-1)
And eeke his suster by semblance of nature

Whane pat he tooke oure humanyte
Of a mayde moost clennest and pure,

Fresshest of floures pat sprang oute of lesse 375

As flour eordeyned for to releeve man,

Which bare pe frut pat sloughe our foo Sathan. 377

[in margin in another hand]

of pis balade daune lohn made no more.

351 pai!] om. H. 353 Canticoy A. 354 called A. 358 sorar.
371 doth it H. 377 bore A.

The Chilli Jesus. Cristc Qui Liu Ei.

235

44. THE CHILD JESUS TO MARY, THE ROSE.
[MS. H. M. Harloy 2251, leaf 78.]

My fader above, beholJyiig thy mekencssc,

As dewe on Rosis dolli his bawnie sprede,
Sent his gost, most souerayne of clennes,
Into thy brest, (a ! Rose of wommanhedc !)
Whan I for man was borne in my manhede ; 5

For whiche with Rosis of heuenly Influence
I me reioyse to pley in thy presence. 7

(2)
Benyng moder ! who first dide inclose

Tlie blessed budde that sprang out of lesse,
Thow of luda the verray jv'rfite Rose,
Chose of my fader for thyn humylite
"Without fadyng most clenne.st to bere me ;
For wliiclie witli Roses of cliast Innocence,
I me Reioy.se to pley in tlii presence.

(3)

0 moder ! moder ! of mercy mo.st habounde,

Fayrest moder that euer was alyve !
Though I for man have many a bloody wounde,
Among theym alle there be Rosis fyve,
Agayne whos mercy fiendis may nat stryvc ; ,
Mankynde to save, best Rosis of defence,
"VVhan they me pray for helpe in thy presence.

My Fattioi-
abovfi sniit
His Spirit in
thy breast,

Uoso of
women.
For thi.s I
play witli
roses before
thee.

Hear
Mother,

the Rose of
Judah,

1 2 without
fading.

14

19

21

Among My
woumis
Five Roses
there are,
which con-
quer the
Fiend, when
mankind
prays to Me
in thy pres-
ence.

45. CRISTE QUI LUX ES ET DIES.

[Trin. Coll. Cam. MS. R. 3. 20, pp. 195-197.]

Beholde]ie here and seefe ]'e translac/on of l>e ympne
Criste qui lux es & dies, by Lydegate in wyse of
balade. [ju^e losj

8 iL'ho] whan MS. 10 Thow] That MS.

MSS. Trin. Coll. Cam. R. 3. 20, leaves 195 to 197 = T : 13. M.
Harley 2251, leaves 235, back, to 236 — H. Rubric om. H.

236

Cristc Qui LtLx Es.

Christ, our
ilav and
light,

be our
succour !

Defend us
this uiglit.

Let not our
flesh assail
our soul.

(1)

Criste qui lux es & dies.
Cryst, ))at art boofe daye and ligHt,

And soofefaaste sonne of al gladnesse,
)jat doost awey derknesse of niglit, —
And souereyne liglit of al brigfitnesse
Beleved art in sojjefastenesse,

Preching fis blissful liglit of ])ees,
Be oure socour in alle distresse,
Criste qui lux es & dies.

(2)
Precamur sancte Aomine.

0 hooly lord ! to fee Ave praye,
In Jjis night J)ou vs defende,
Ageynst alle foon fat vs werraye,
Be J)ou quyete oure lyff tamende,
And J)y grace to vs fou sende

With nightes rests in vnyte,
Tn ]>y servyce oure lyff to spende
Precamur sancfe domine,

(3)
Ne grauis compuis irruat.

j)'dt vs no greuous sleep oppresse,
Ne fat oure foo vs vndermyne,
Ne fat oure flesshe of frowardnesse
Assent fe spyrit to enclyne,
For to l)ring it to ruyne,

)?ee to gilt thorough f eyre debate,
But let fy grace on vs shyne
Ne grauis sompnis irruat.

Oculi soinpnu»i capiant^.s-.

Let oure eyghen rest[e] taake,
Oonly thorughe f y benigne grace,

}2at f e spirit euer awaake

\)ee for to serue yche houre and space,

8

12

16

20

[p-ige 196]

24

28

9 Precaniiir] H. Peccatur T. 25 to take i7is. H.

Cristc Qui Lux Es.

2:}7

And whanne oure foonien vs mauace

Let ))y Kigfit hande, as }jou art wont,
Defende ))y servantos in yche a place,

Duni oculi sonipniuH capiunt. 32

(5)
Defensor noster aspice.
Oure Chaumpyouu see and byhoolde,
Oure wayting enemys fou represse,
Gouverne fy servantes yonge and olde

Of J)y mercy and py goodnessc, 36

"Wliome jjou boughtest in gret distresse
Witli ]'yne liooly bloode nioost free,
And y.xi ]'o feonde vs nougtit oppresse

Defensor noster aspice. 40

(6)
Memento nostri domine.

)5ou benigne lord ! on vs remembre

In J)is greuous body heere,
Keepe and preserue vs euery membre,

Sith ])ou boug&test vs so deere, li

"Whicti art defence, as bookis leere.

Of pe soule tboruglie J)e pytee.
For which in mescheef boope fer and neerc

Memento nostri domine. 48

(7)
Deo patri sit gloria.

To God ))e Fader honnour and glorye,

And to liis oonly sone also ; [page 197]

Worship, with hert and hool memorye,

Eeke to pe Hooly Goost beo doo, 52

Egale with pe first[e] twoo,

BooJ?e three and oon per secula,
For which we sing in loye and woo
Deo patri sit gloria.

Defender,
watch over
us.

Remember

U8.

,J

Glory be to
the Father,
the Son,
and tlie Holy
Ghost.

30 arf] were H. 31 ychc a] eclie H.

capiuntis T ('/. heading).

56
32 capiunt] H.

238

The Fifteen Oocs of Christ.

4G. THE FIFTEEN GOES OF CHEIST.

O blessed
Lord Jesus,

treasure of
those t)iat
love Thee.

Their
health ;

let Thy

grace shine
on them.

[MS. Laud Misc. 683, leaves 1 lo 8, rearranged.]

Here begynnyth the xv Oys translatyd out of Latyn
into Englyssh by damp Jolin Lydgate monk of
Seynt Edmundys Bury.

Assit principio sancta maria meo.

(1)
0 blyssed lord my lord, O Cryst lesu,

Welle and hedspryng of eternal swetnesse !

Of them that loue the, guerdouw of most vertu,

Alle other joyes surmountyng in sothnesse, 4:

By prerogatyves, in whom ys all gladiiesse.

Them to comforte that be Contemplatyf ;
In ther desyres thow art her cheef rycliesse

And hooll ther tresour, here in this present lyf. 8

(2)
Thow art her helthe and comfort in syknesse,

Of synfuU sowlys reti'ute and medycyne,
And as thy-sylf, 0 lord, beryst wytiiesse

To synfull peple thy presence lyst Enclyne, 12

Took our humanyte of a pure vyrgyne.

For our sauacyouii, of mercy full plesauuce ;
0 lesn ! lesu ! tliy grace lat down schyne

On them that love the, and liave in reme??i!braunce 16

(3)
How thow most goodly hast our kynde take,

Sent from thy llatler lowe in Erthe down,
And Avhat thow suffredyst also for our sake —

In tliy manhood ffull greet trybulacyoun, 20

MSS. Bodley Laud 683, leaves 1 to 8 = L ; Kawlinson
C. 48, leaves 111, back, to 116 = R; B.M. Harley 2255, leaves
104 to 110, back = H ; Adds. 29729, leaves 11 to 16 = A ; Add.
29729 (2nd version), leaves 287 and back = B ; Jes. Coll. Cam.
56, leaves 65, back, to 70, back = J. Title 07n. H A R. Incipiunt
quindecim 0 0] J. Marg. of J R. 0 lesu christc eterna dulcedo
&c. 1 Ifsu Crist JR. 5 progatiues J. 6 ben R. 7 desers
R. her'\ pere J. 9 ther RJ. 11 beryst] list bere AH.

list to ber R. bere J. 14 our] our pur ins. R. 16 haue ]>e

ins. J H. 18 this erthe A H J (erth J). 20 ffull] om. R J.

The Fifteen Oocs of Christ.

239

Remember
Tliy grief,

Greet aduersitee, dooll, detli, and passyoiiii — [Uaf i, back]

AfToru ordeyned Ly prescyence devyne
Of our captyvyte to make redempcyoun

In Abialiani proiiiysod, born of Daiiyd lyne. 24

O lord, ronieinbre vpon tlie hevynesse

Wi't/( wich thow were Inwardly constreyned ;
Tliynk on thy mortall wofnll byttyrnesse

Mo«g alle thy?i enemyes wiili scorgis bete & peyned, 28
Tliyn hevenly colour, thy fayr skyn dysteyned, —

Ageyns the the lewes were so wood — Thysorrows,

And all this, o lord, hast nat dysdeyned

To thy dyscyplys in i'orme of flesshe & blood 32

(5)
To yeve thy body, for ther goostly ffoode,

On Sherthursday, by mercyfull nieeknesse ;
Weyssh ther ffeet, for our aldyr goode,

On Olyuet of constreynt and dystresse 36

Swettyst blood & Avater, thy« eien dist up dresse

On-to thy fFader, seydyst thys Orysoun,
" 0 Fader myn, graunt of thy goodnesse,

Translate thys C'halys of my passyoun ! " 40

(6)

Toldyst afforn, 0 lesu ! all the Caas

Of thy takyng, with euery cyrcumstaunce,
Tlie fals betrayng, the kyssyng of ludas,

Thy pacyence, thy stylle meek suffraunce, [leaf 2] 44
By fals accusours tencres of thy grevaunce,

So fore thre luges ongoodly thow wer brouht.
Ay of 0 cheer, of look, and contenaunce,

Benyngne lesu stood stille & seydyst nought. 48

(7)
Tyme of thy pask, as it ys weell kouthe,

In lerusalem, a famous greet cyte,

Thv prayer
to God,
"Translate
this chalice
of My t>as-

Thou wert
cruelly
brought to
judgment.

24 Danid is ,T. davids A. 26 wofnll mortall J K. 28 Among J.
29 skyn] flessh A. 31 with al iris. J. 3-i Shirethuresday J.

35 Weyssh titer] Wheech our H. weessh J. 37 doost J. 39

giulnes J. 47 0] on J R. 48 Beuige J. stodist H J. 49 thy]
one A.

240

Tlie Fifteen Ooes of Christ.

and con-
demned to
die.

Thy pains.

O Jesus,
imprint
these tokens
in my
memory.

O Jesus,
Creator of
lieaven
and all,

Benyngne lesn, flowryng in thy yowtlie,

Fayrest of ffayre, moost goodly on to se, 52

Thow -were condempned to deth of Enmyte,

Of thy clothyng dyspoyled and maad bare,
And lyk a ffool, alias ! yt was pyte,

How thow were clad thy gospel doth declare. 56

(8)
Thyn hevenly eyen, thy look selestyall,

Were hyd and veylled, & J)? benyuge face
Bete & bobbyd with buffetys full mortall,

And to a peleer streytly they did enbrace GO

Thy biyssed body, and neuer did trespace :

Moost felly scorged, yviih blood dysteyned reed,
Torent with roopys thyn heer dyd arrace,

A crowne of thornys they set vpon thyn hed. 64

(9)
Oracio.

0 lord lesn ! enprente in my memorye

AUe these tokenys of thy peynfull passioun ; [leaf 2, back]

Thy cros, thy deth, on Caluary thy vyctorye,

Gravyn in myn herte with hooll affeccyoun, 68

Full repentaunce with pleyn confessioun.

And as thow bouhtist me, 0 lUesn ! with thy blood,

Graunt of my synnys full remyssioun,

Wich for our sake starff vpon the Rood. 72

(10)

0 gracyous lesn, forgere of the hevene,

Lord and cryator of euery cryature,
Madyst al thys world and pe planetis vij,
Vnmesured, and al thyng mayst mesure ;
Erthe and mou?jteiras round of ther fygure

Closyst in thyn hand as a lytell ball,
Eemembre, 0 lord ! what wo thow dist endure
Naylled on the cro?, and lyst to be mortall.

[leaf 3)

76

80

52 Farest of fare J. 54 dispoled J. 57 look] booke J. 58
wailed J. benige J. 59 fuH] for R. GO streith J. 61 did]
dist J. 65 lord] BUssed J. lesu] ovi. A.. 60 peynfull] om.

J R H. 69 repentant J. 72 straafe J. 73 Margin : 0 lesu
mundi fabricator J. 75 thys] ])e J. 77 mounteyne J. 79 did J.

Tlie Fifteen Ooes of Christ.

241

(11)
For love of man in thyn luinianyte

Feet & handis thorough percid, & luaad reed,
Between two thevys vpon the Roode tre,

And for our sake, 0 lesw ! tliow were ded, 84

Thy body streyned botlie in lengthe & bred

On Good Fryday, witli many a mortall wouwde;
Benyngne lesn, of pyte tak now heed,

0 welle of grace, of mercy most habounde ! 88

(12)

Louly besechyng, lesw, of thy goodnesse [leaf 3, back]

That I may haue thy peynes in memorye,
And to remembre the wofuU bytternesse

Wich thow lyst suffre, to brynge us to ]ii glorye ; 92
And in our hertys pryue consystorye

Grau«t us, 0 le.^u, with partight love & dreed,
Of our thre enymyes fat we may haue victorye,
By thy meek passion w, J)at lyst for ma«, to bleede.

ThoM wort
cnicilied
between two
thieves.

Let us

reiueuiber

Thee.

(13)
0 lesM ! lesu ! our helthe, our medycyne,

Our hevenly leche, our socour in syknesse,
Thy lemys strecchyd & drawe out riht as lyne

With myhty roopys, tencres of thy dystresse, 100

High on the cros lefft vp by greet duresse.

Thy tiessh, thy sydys, torent and al to-torn,
Ko sorwe lyk, nor dooll, nor hevynesse

"Was neuer in mart sey;i in this world toforn. 104

(14)

0 gracyous Icsu ! whan I remembre me

How from thyn bed lowe to thy ffeet, alias,

Was noon hooU skyn vntorn, nor lefft in the,

Bospreynt wiih blood was thy/i hevenly flface, 108

O Jesus,
our heavenly
Leech !

When r
remeiubRr
hi)w from
head to foot
Thou wert
scourged,

Sf) lentht J sic. 86 a mortal many R. 89 Besekynp J.

OlesMins.i. 94 Zoir] hope A H. 96 to] o»i. J. %7 Margin:
0 lesu. celestis medice J. 97 Icsu (2)] om. R J. hethe R. 99 &s
a ins. R. 100 of] om. J. 101 by] tin R. 103 nor (1)] A H.
105 0 gracyous] Glorious J. sic. 108 was] as J.

LYDGATE, M. P. R

242

The Fifteen Oocs of Christ.

Yit of thy mercy If^^u, thus stood the Caas,
Thou preidist for them on-to thy fader dere,

Seydyst, " 0 Fader fforgyff hem ther trespace.

For what they doon they knowe nat J>e manere." 112

let me
remember
Thy glorioiis
passion,

the spear,
scourges,
liillar and
five wounds.

(15)

Lord, for that mercy and myserycorde [ieai'4]

Gyff me grace tenprenten in my mynde
Thy gloryous passyoun, by and by record

Alle the tokenys, that noon be lefft behynde, 116

Abowte thy cros in ordre as I hem fynde ;

The sharpe spere, that dyd thyn herte ryve,
The scorges Sz peler, to wich they did the bynde,
And specyally thy glorious woundis ffyve. 120

O Jesus,
fjOrd of
Lords !

(16)
0 lesu ! callyd in thy selestyall see [leaf -2, back]

Lord of lordys, lord of moost puyssaunce,
Namyd of angelys fredam and liberie,

And of paradys delycyous plesaunce; 124

lesu reme??ibre, liaue mynde of tlie penaunce,

The ferfuU orrour, \iiiJi torme?«tis most terryble,
"Wich thow suiferedist, to saue mare fro myscliau?ice,
And for our love were pacyently passyble. 128

Buffeted
by Thine
enemies,
hast shown
Thy love,

(17)

Alle thyn enymyes rounde aboute the stood,
Fersere than Tygrees, woder than lyowns ;
Bete and bobbyd, and al be-spreynt yviih blood,

With fals rebukys, froward yllusyouns, 132

Scorgis inportable, dyverse derysyouns,

Echon thyn enemyes, & frendys but a fewe,
Ageyn our trespacys and our transgressiouws,

Benyngne le^'u ! thou hast thy love shewe. 136

111 Seyde H. 113 thaf] >i J. 114 temprenten J. 115 and
by and by R J. 116 belefft AH. 117 abouten H. hem]

om. J. 119 they] ]>a. J. 121 3Iargin: O It's-u vera libertas J.

126 horreur J. 127 sntfred J. 129 ahoatc the] abouten J R.
136 love] Sonne A. to sJiewe ins. H A.

The Fifteen Ooes of Christ.

243

(IS)
Onicio.
Lowly requyring of mercyfull pytc (icnfsi

From alle our enymyes, visible and invisible,
Dyiieiule us, lesn, that we may go IFro,

— Sith to thy power nothyng ys inpossyble — 1 40

From Sathanys myght, liydous and odyble,

Viider the wyngys of thy proteccyoun,
That s\i£feredyst deth vp-on an liih patyble,

Shadewe all ]h sorvau«tis wii/i ])/' meek passioun. 144

(19)
Oracio.
0 lesu, merour of spiritual! cleernesse, (leaf 6, back]

Hang on the cros ffor our IJedemiicyoun,
Remembre of all the trouble & hevynesse,

Nakyd on the lloode taquyten our rau?isou«, 148

Voyd of all comfort and cousoIacyou7i

Sauff of thy moder, & thy cosyn Seynt lohn,
To hym assyngnyng the cow^mendacyoun

To wayte on hyr, lesw, whan thow were goon. 152

(Icffiul us
from our
tnicniies.

O Jpsus,
mirror of
chastity !

Forsaken
by III! save
Mary, ami
Jcillll,

to whom
Thou gavest
lier.

(20)

Vndyr thy cros wepyng whan she stood,
Seydyst to hir with a ful dedly cheere,
" Behold, 0 woman most beny«gne & good,

Behold \i sone, wich that stondeth here," 156

And to Seynt lohn seidest in this manere,

" Behold ]n moder & haue liir in kepyng."
Who myhte his eyen fro?/i salte teris stere

To seen or heryn this dolerous partyng ? 1 GO

"Woman,
behold thy
sou."

(21)
The prophesye of Olde Symeoon

That same hour kam to reme^/ibraunce,
A swerd of sorwe shold thorgh hir soule goon.

Felt euer raodyr so grevous a penaunce 1

164

Mary then
recalled old
Simeon's
prophecy of
the sword
of sorrow.

HI sathaiias JR. 143 «?(] oon J. 145 Margin: 0 Icau

criste speculum J. 146 Heng A. 148 tacquite JR. 152 on]
of. 155 and moost ins. J H A R. 160 here JR. 162 come J.

R 2

244

The Fifteen Ooes of Christ.

Grant us
refuge in
Thee.

lesn, whos herte was wouwdid wiUi a launce,
Graunt in al myschef and trybulacyoun

We may resorte to ffynde in al greuaunce
Meroyful support, lord, in thy passyoun.

168

O Jesus,
King most
lovable,

our support,

(22)
Oi'acio.
0 gracyous lesu, kyng moost amyable, [leaf?]

Aboue all kynges kyng of most puyssaunce,
Moost desyrous, our comfort most notable,

Our suppowaylle, our post geyn al grevaunce, 172

Thy grete sorwys calle him to remembraunce,
Wich thow suffredyst for our aldyr goode,
^Jfakyd alias, perced with a launce,

On Good Frj'day hangyng on the Eoode. 176

(23)

Thy frendys fledde, almoost euerychoon,
The bront abydyng alone al dosolaat,
Except thy moder, thevangelist Seywt lohn,

With weping terys tryst & disconsolat, 180

Svvownyng full offte, fil to ]>e grou??d prostrat

Spak to thy moder that alle myghtyn^ here,
"Woman beholde pi sone in pore estaat," i MS. myhty.
And to Seynt lolin, "behold \)i moder dere." 184

grant me
shrift ere
I die.

(24)
Oracio.
To the, lesn, bothe at eve and morvve,

With contryt herte I sey this Orysown,
So as the swerd, callid pe swerd of sorwe,
Perced the herte by tribulacyoun
Of thy moder, tyme of thy passyoun,

0 mercyful lesu. ! graunt only of Ipi grace,
In sowle and body ffull consolacyoun,
By shryfft and hoosill or I hens pace.

188

192

165 0 lesM ins. J. 169 Margin: 0 Ic5u rex amabilis J.

170 all, tyng] om. J. 171 desiorus J. sic. 172 sowles powaill J.
sic. 173 ))em J. 174 gude J. 182 ahiiightyn R. myghteii J.
187 >e (2)] om. J. 188 the], >i J. 192 or] er R.

The Fifteen Oocs of Christ.

245

(25)
O lesn, tliat art of mercy sours and welle, [Uaf 4|

Moost liabundau/zt of plciityvous pyto,
AVicli till tlie cros, ]u gospel! can Aveell telle,

How tliow seydyst liangyng on the tre, 196

Thou haddyst a thrust, a tlirust of charyte,

Tiiys was thrust, for short conclusioun,
To restore to goostly liberte

Alio them for whom tliow sufTredyst passioun. L'dO

(2G)
Oracio.

Mercyfull lesxx ! sette our herte affyre,

Encrese and more our dysposycyouu,

That day be day we fully may desyre

In thy seruyse of hooll atfoccyoun 204

To giowe and wexe, in full perfeccyoun,

A lie flesshly lustys if or to sette asyde ;

Wordly ffavour, and veyn ambycyoun,

Eepresse in vs and be our goostly guyde. 208

(27)
0 le.su ! callyd most souereign swetnesse, [leaf 4, back]

Of thoughtfull hertys bawme Imperyall,
Our sugre, our comfort geyn all byttyrnesse,

Wich for our sake drank eysell and gall, 212

SujBfredyst deth for to saue us all ;

0 blyssed lord, grau?tt us for thy torment
To-forn our deth at nede whan we call,

Goostly repast of the hooly sacrement. 2 1 G

(28)
Oracio.

Thys to seyne for our eternall ffoode,

For our most solempne restauracyoun,
Grau7it us to resceyve thy body & thy blood

Or we parte hens, with pure confessioun, 220

O Jesus,
Foiintain of
Mercy !

Thoii wlio
(iiUst thirst,

set our
lieiirts afire

to put aside
our lusts

0 Jesu,
sovereign
sweetness !

Lot us re-
ceive Thy
body.

103 Margin: 0 lesu fons inhauste J. shoiirs J. 198 a

thrust ins. H J R. 201 on fyre R. 207 Worldly J H R.

209 Margin: 0 \cs\\ dulcedo oordium J. 212 sufferedest drynke
ins. J. {cf. 213). 217 This is J li II.

246

The Fifteen Oocs of Christ.

Our path, our weye, to the hevenly ma?zsiouw,
Callid by thy grace our gostly dyrectorye,

To saue our passage fro?n ))e infernal doungoun,
And fyry flawniys of dredful purgatorye.

224

O merciful
Jesu!

for Thy

anguish on
the Cross,

(29)
0 thow moost gracyous mercyfull lesu. !

Wich for thy synguler selestyall gladnesse
In amerous hertys brennying in vertu

Art callid the roote of royall parfiglitnesse, 228

Lord, for pe constreynt & mortall bitternesse

Thow haddyst than, this noyse wha?t |)u dist make,
Crying for constrey/tt of thy pitous dystresse,

" Lord God my lord ! why hastow me forsake? " 232

forsake us
not.

(30)
Oracio.

For that anguyssh & grevous drerynesse [leaf 5]

Thow haddist fat hour afforn pou sholdist dye,
For love of man thorugh Ipi gret kyndenesse

Vp-on the cros hangyng at Caluarye, 236

Forsake us nat whan we to the Crye
In ony mysohef or Trybulacyoun,
That we may find socour and remedye

In thy moost peynfull gloryous passioun. 240

O Jesu,
Alpha and
Omega !

(31)
0 lesu ! lesu ! callid Alpha and Omega,

Our lyf, our vertu, support in our neede,
Thynk, & recorde, and remembre also,

From hed to foot how thow dedyst bleede, 244

Wasshe and' steyned in a i)urpyll weede,
Fro ]>i V woundis ran so large a fflood,
Thorugh al pe world the stremys did sprede

To wasshe our surfetis with ])i p?*ecious blood. 248

221 our (2)] or K. 225 Margin: 0 Icsu regahs. B begins
])fire. 237 Margin : I I^su a.hlssuin ^jrofuudissiiue J. sic. 241
Margin : 0 lesu alpha et oo ke. J. 241 /esu (2)] om. J.

Omega] Oo J. 246 ran] went J. ran su large] so long &

large B

The Fifteen Ooes of Christ.

247

(32)
Oracio.

In blood & water, tyme of thy passyouu,

Of love was sliewid, pleynly to conclude,

As in two lycours our Redeiupcyoun,

"Water of baptein took a gret latytuJe,

Thy blood out shad, Sathan to deelude,

For wich, lesu, shewe tliys avauntage,

Of grace and mercy ))e grete^ magnytude

By blood & water to cleyine our herytage.

252

1 M.S. grace.

256

Our redemp-
tion was
.shown in tlio
bloii'l anil
water of Tliy
Pas.sioa.

(33)
O hooly lesu ! of mercy moost habounde, [leafs, back)

Wich on the cros boughtyst us so dere,
Be thy v. woundys depe, large, & profounde,

Tliorugh skyn & flesh conseyved pe matere, 260

Gracyous lesw ! resceyve our mek prayere.

Whan our thre enmyes ageyn us gynne stryve,
Grau?2t we may hyde us ageyu ther fel daunger

Myd the kavys of thy depe woundys ffyve. 264

(34)
O sothfast I^.sni ! callyd cleer merour

Of trowthe, of love, of pes and vnyte,
Signacle and sel, patent and protectour,

Our sheld, our pavys geyn al aduersite, 268

From heed to foot by furious cruelte

All forwoundyd, torased, and to-reut,
By the lewys conspyred Enmyte,

Bete & scorged, tyl al thy blood was spent, 272

(35)
Born & conseyued in virgynall clennesse,

Of a pure mayden brouht forth in Bedleeni,
Eeed & rubyfyed was affter thy witnesse,

Wit^ dolerous deth slayn at lerusaleem, 276

O Je.sii,
cle.ir mirror
of Truth aDd
Love.

252 a] om. B. 25-3 .sliadde J. dehide B. 257 0 lesu. of

mercy oure lorde B. 258 us\ om. B. 259 larrjft, depe R. so
depe B. 260 mnJerc] manere J R. 264 di'pe] om. H. 265

Margin : 0 \e.f\i veritatis J. 266 of (2)] and A. 267

Sinacle J. seal J. 268 geyn all of perfyte B. 275 whitnesse
H J R A B. dolerous] delure sic B.

248

The Fifteen Oces of Christ.

For compassioun eclypsed the sonne-beem,
0 lesu ! lesn I what niyglitj^st thow do more,

Tliow, that were kyiig & lord of euery reeiu,
Lyst sufp re deth thy servau^tis to restore.

280

Merciful
Jesu,
write Thy
Passion witli
Thy blood
in my heart.

(36)
Oracio.

Mercyf ul lesu ! of grace do adverte [leaf o]

With thilke lycour uich pou dedyst bleede,

Ey remembrau?ice to Avrite hem ia mjn herte

Ech day onys that I may hem reede, 284

Close jje capytallys vnder pi purpil weede

With offte thyiikyng on thy bloody fface,

Thorugh my?^ entraylles let ])i passiou?^ sprede,

Marked tho karectys Avhan I shal hens passe. 288

O mighty
Jesu !

Thou didst
slay Death,

being made
weak,

power.

(37)

0 rayghty lesu ! of luda the lyown,

Strength of pryncys, of kyngis most royall,
Invicyble, our goostly cliampyoun,

To saue thy peple from peynes infernal!, 292

List make hem fre, ]>at Sathan maad thrall ;

With pacyence thow were vyctoryous ;
Thy force faylled of power Iminortall,

Sloiili deth with deth, conquest most gloryous. 296

(38)

Thow were maad weyk', lostist al ])i strengthe.
With deth distreyned thow Ipat were myhtyest,
to show Tiiy To shewe ])t power botlie in brede & lengthe,

Suffredyst ])i fredam, stonde vndir arest, 300

Phebus was dirkid, eclipsed est and west,

Our rau?Jsoun payed, tresour of most prys,
AVhan thow seydyst " consu??miatum est,"

By mene wherof bryng vs to paradys. 304

277 clipeid R J. 282 Km] o'm. R. 283 io] do J R H A B.

284 that] >a J. 285 capitall H. >c] my B. 288 tho] with B.
to A. in vs H. 289 Margin : 0 Icsw leo fortissime J. 291

Imiiiicible J R. 303 said J. seydest ]>i ins. B. Margin : 0 I<su
viiigentcr J.

The Fifteen Oocs of Christ.

249

(39)
Oracio.
0 le.s-u ! callid sone moost niyglity iimf 7, back]

Of thy Fadrys wysdain and sapycnce,
Of liis substaiince the tiygure treuly

Into whos hand thow seidest wtt/i reuerence 308

" III inanus tuas," thes woordys in sentence
With a gret cry to-torn in euery coost ; —
For Avich 0 lesw vp-on my greet offence

Be meroyable Avhan I yelde vp my goost. 312

(40)
0 Ie.su ! named plentyvous grape and vyne,

AVicli on the cros for our Redempcyoun
In a pressorye pressid with gret pyne,

Copyously the rede lycour ran down, 316

Tliy precious blood was pris of our rau?isou7i,

Tliat no drope sothly Avas lefft behynde,
Water of baptera, blood of thy passion,

"Was al shad out, to us pan were so kynde. 320

Longious spere perced thorgh thy?i herte,

Thy white body vpon the roode tree
Was maad al drie, v,'it7i Avouwdis fel & smerte,

0 It'fcU ! le^'u ! of mercy grau/(t thoAV me
Oracio.

With thy passioun that I may Avou^did be

To be partable of al thy mortal stryff,
Or I parte hens to haue this lyberte,

With bitter teris the rust of all my lyff 328

(42)
Oracio.
To Avasshe aAvey, only by thy grace, [leaf si

With repentaunce and Ifull contrycyoun,
Hosyll and shryfft or I hen[e]s passe ;

Cleymyng by mercy to haue possessioun 332

O Jpsn, Son
of Wimioiii !

O Jesu,
plenteous
lirajie and
Vine !

324 Let me be

wounded as
Thou wast,

that the rust
of my life

be washed
away.

305 sone] ]>e sone ay B. 306 fadere J. 312 gcffe B. 313
Margin: 0 lesu vitio ,T. 315 pressour B. 316 J)e blod rane

faste adonne B. 317 pressore R. Hood] blody licour B. 318
was than ins. B L. 319 om. B. 321 t/iorgh] om. B. 324 thoic]
om. J R A H B. now gravuite B. 328 the rusQ om. B.

250

The Dolerous Pyte of Crystes Fassioim.

WitJi al thy seyntys in the heveuly mansioun,

Only by tytyll cleymed by thy blood,
And by thy modrys meek medyacyoim,

The charter asselid whan poii heeng on ]>q Eood. 336

Explicit Q?iod lohn Lydgate.

47. THE DOLEROUS PYTE
PASSIOUK

OF CRYSTES

Early and
late, look on
tliis jiainting
of Pity.

My heart's
wounds

shall defend
you.

[MS. Bodley Laud Misc. 683, leaves 15, back, to 17.]
Here is a tretys of Crysfys passyoun.

(1)
Erly on morwe, and toward nyght also,

First and last, looke on this ffygure ;

Was ever wight suffred so gret woo

For manhis sake suych passioun did endure? 4

My bloody woundis, set here in picture, [leif loo]

Hath hem in mynde knelyng on your kne,
A goostly merour to euery Cryature,

Callid of my passioun the dolerous pyte. 8

(2)
Set this lyknesse in your remembraunce,

Enprenteth it in your Inward sight ;
Myn hertys wou?Kle, percyd witJi a launce,

Thorugh-out my side discendyng down ful riht, 12

Yow to dyffende in your treble ffyght,

Ageyn the fend, fe flessh, Jje world, this thre,
With my passioun shal yeve yow strengthe & myht
Whan ye beholde this dolerous pyte. 16

333 the] thi R. om. B. 335 meditacioun R. 336 hiuij J.

Colo2)hon om. J R. Explicit the xv Oes compiled by John lydgat
monke of Bury and were here wryten out of master stantons boke
by Jon Stowe A. Here endytlie ])e fyften ooes drawen oute of
latyn into engelishie by lidgate B.

Note. — The text, from Laud 683, is rearranged according to the
order observed in the other five MSS. , as the Latin original and otlier
Enslish translations also liad this order. Tlie order in Laud is
1-72, 97-144, 73-96, 257-304, 145-256, 305-336. This order
interferes only witli the arrangement of the several prayers.

The Dolcrons Piitc of Cn/des Passioun. 251

(3)
Make me your pavis, passith not your boumlis,

Ageyn al wordly Trybulacioun,
In ech temptacioim, thynk on my blody \vou?i(lis,

Your cheeff saiicondyt, and best proteccyou/j, 20

Your coote armure, brest plate & habirioure,

Y'ow to dyffende in al adversyte,
And I schal be your Trusty chanipioun 'mi'"" ^^

Whan yo beholde this dolerous pite. 24 ciiampion.

Beth not rekles whan ye forby passe,

Of myn Image devoutly taketh heede,
Nat for my-silf, but for your trespace

In Bosra steyned of purpil al my [weede^], 28

Of my suffrau«ce youres is the meede, ' Jis. blood.

Crownyd w/'tli thornys thoruh lewis cruelte,
Blood meynt with water for yow I did bleede,

Lyk as witnessetli this dolorous pite. 32

(5)
The vyne of Soreth railed in lengthe & brede,

The tendre clustris rent donn in ther rage,

The ripe grapis ther licour did out shede, '^''f, '^'?,'?''

Lot. » of the Vine

With bloody dropis bespreynt w^as my visage, — 36 was shed

./ r L J ./ o > for iiiaii s

Man to socoure, I suffred gret damage, liberty.

I was maad thral for manhis lyberte,
I bar tlie bront allone of this ventage,

I^yk as witnesseth this dolorous pite. 40

(6)
My deth of deth hadde fe victorye,

Fauht with Sathan a myhty strong batayl,
Grave this trivmphe depe in your memorie,

Lik \ie pellican perced myn Entrayl, 44

Myn herte blood maad abrood to rayl,

Best restoratif geyn old Inyquyte,
My platys seuered, to-torn my?i aventail,

Lik as witnesseth this dolorous pite. 48

(7) Verba compilatoris.
From yow avoideth slouthe & necclygence,

Wit/i contrit herte seith, meekly knelyng doun,

252

A Prayer v.pon the Cross.

A Pater-
noster, Ave,
and Creed,
before this
Pity shall
give you
20,000 years,
30 days, of
pardon.

0 Pater-nos^er and Auees in sentence,
A crede folwyng, seyd with devossioun,
xxvi thousand yeeris of pardoun,

Over XXX dayes, ye may the lettre see,
In remembraunee of Crystys passioun
Knelyng be-fore this dolorous pite.
Explicit.

52

56

Upon the
Cross, 1 was
nailed for
thee.

Repent.

Pity my
wounds.

48. A PEAYEE UPOX THE CEOSS.

[MS. Laud 683, leaves 14, back, 15.]

Here crist Iht>u seith thus on-to man as he hangeth
vp-on the roode tre.

(1)
Upon the cros naylled I was Ifor the,

Suffred deth to paye thy raunsoun ;

Forsake thy senne for the love of me,

Be repentaunt, make pleyn confessioun, 4

To contrit hertis I do remyssioun :

Be nat dyspeyred, for I am nat vengable ;
Geyn goostly enmyes thynk on my passiou?i ;

Why artow froward, sith I am mercyable? 8

(2)
My bloody wou/idis doure raylyng by this tre,
Looke on hem well, and haue compassioun ;

MSS. Laud 683, leaves 14, back, to 15 back - L; Laml 598,
leaf 60 and back = 1 ; Rawl. poet. 32, leaf 31 back = R ; Jes.
Coll. Cam. 56, leaves 71 and back = J ; Univ. Lib. Cam. Kk. 1, 6,
leaves 196, back, 197 = K ; {ihid. Hh. 4. 12, leaf 86 = F ; printed by
Fiirnivall, pp. 139-140, E.E.T.S., Orig. S. 15, 1866, re-ed. 1903) ;
B.M. Harley 2255, leaves 111 and back = H ; Adds. 29729, leaves
131 and back = A ; Cott. Col. A. ii, leaf 134, back = C ; Phillipps
8299, folios not numbered = P ; St. John's, Oxf. 56, torn leaf at
end, parts of lines 15-40 = S. Title : Ano>er preyere to our lord
bangyng on \>e Croosse K. Quinque vulnera C. none in other MSS.
P J F H give the Latin coujilet —

" In cruce sum pro te, qui peccas ; desine pro me
Desine ; do veiiiam ; die culpani retrabo penam."
laPHJFR. y nayled was C. 7] om. 1. 2 Suffredith J.

suifryng P. Raunsom 1. rawinson F. raunsomeA. 3 synne thanne
ins. P. 4 by repentaunce A. 6 vengeable F 1 J. 7 Ayenst 1.
8 sith] for P. 9 raylyngl rynuyng 1. 10 J-am J. ))at 1.

A Frajfrr vpon the Cross.

253

Tlie crowno of thorn, ]>e spere, ]>e nayles tlirc

Perced hand and ffeet of Indygnacyouu, 12

^fyne herte reven for thy redempcyuun ;

Lat lis tweyne in this tliyng be tretable,
Love for love by iust convencyoiin !

Why artow froward sith I am mercyablo? 16

(3)
I hadde on Petyr and Mawdeleyn pite

For the grete constreynt of ther contricyouw ;
Geyn Thomas Indis Incredulyte,

He put his hand, depe in my syde doun ; 20

EoUe vp this mater, grave it in ])i resoun ;

Sith I am kynde, why artow so onstable 1
^fy blood, best triacle for ])i transgressioun ;

Be thou nat froward, sith I am mercyable. 24

(-t)
lenvoije.

Thinke ageyn pride on my74 huniylyte ;

Kom to scole, recorde weell this lessouw ;

Geyn fals envye, thynk on my charite,

My blood al spent by dystyllacyoun ; 28

Why did I this 1 to saue the from prisoun ; [leaf i5j

AfEorn thyn herte hang this lytel table,

Swetter than bawme geyn al goostly poisou7^, —

Be thow nat froward, sith I am mercyable. 32

I gave Peter
and MaRiia-
lene grace.

n pe (2)] and H F. of J. 13 hert was im. 1 C A. 14 tweyiie]
to 1. greable F. 16 Jrhj/ arfoiv] And be nat C A. 16 .S3'n K.
18 the] thair P. grete] om. SAC. and {>! conuencion J. 19 Go/ii]
Seynt S A J P. of Ind 1 K. of Inde is R. Inde is H. Inde his J.
of Ynde for his P. incrudelite sic 1. 20 hand] om. F. depe]

dyj) P. in to 1. adoii/i H G J F R. 22 so onstable] sunstable 1.
23 is best ins. 1. .V)/ blood, best triacle] I suffred deth for C A. 24
AVhy art |)0U J H F G. stanza 4 om. A. 25 on] of 1. 26 Kom]
Ren J H F. recorde] lerne 1. 28 al] is J P. spent] spilt H .1 P F.
31 geiin al] ayenst 1. 32 And be nat C. After this Une P

inserts the following spurious stanza : —

My mercy was redy to Cayme. yf that he
Mercy wolde haue asked for deth of Abele ;
P.ut he, in whanne hope of grete infelecite,
Dispayred my mercy, that am of mercy well,
ili holy euangelistes can you certyn telle,
The thef on my right syde beyng culpable,
Marcy asked, in paradyce doth dwelle ;
Be nat froward, 0 man, I am merciable.

254

Ballade at the Reverence of Our Lady.

Lord, let
Thy five
wounds

wash away
our sins.

(5)
oracio.
Lord on alle synful, heere knelyiig on ther kne,
Thy deth remembryng of humble affeccyou??,
0 Jesu, grau/ite of thy benygiiyte,

That thy fyve wellis plentyvous of foysouw,
Calhd thy fyve wou?jdis by computaciouw,
May wasshe in us al surfetis reprevable.
Xow, for thy modris meek mediacioun,
At hir request, be to us mercyable.
Explicit.

36

40

49. BALLADE AT THE EEVERENCE OF OUE
LADY, QWENE OF MERCY.

I conid tell
a thousand
tales of
Cupid and
his woes.

[B.M. Sloane 1212, leaves 101 to 102, back.]

(1)
A thowsand storiis kowde I mo reherse

Off olde poetis, touchynge this matere,

HoAv that Cupide the hertis gan to perse

Off his seruauntis, sett'yng tham affere ;

Lo, here the fin of the errour and the weere ! 5

Lo, here of loue the guerdoun and greuaunce

That euyr with woo his seruauntis doth avaunce ! 7

33 alle] om. R F H P ,7. knelyng here on .J H R. on] ouer A.
36 thy] ])oJ F H. thes A. these C. foysoun] season P. 37 thy]
the A C. 38 waschen K. in] on R. i/i us] orn. 1. surfetas K.

39 thy'\ om. 1. meditacionH H A R F P J. 40 Atte requeste of her
to vs be mercyable P. Colophon : Amen finis A. Amen Explicit C.
Amen vd Legh RRR well (rc^;catoZ) 1. Here enduth this preyere
to cure lord, And begynnuth Another K. P has a monogram •which
looks like J L. In the space between lines 8 and 9 K ins. lydgate.
All Mas. other than L omit the icorch Envoy and Oracio.

MSS. B.M. Sloane 1212, leaves 101 to 102, back = S ; Bodl. Ash-
mole 59, leaves 39, back, to 41= A. Printed in Thynne Chaucer, 1532
= T ; repr. Skeat, Oxf. Chaucer, YII, 275-280 = Sk. Title in A, a
devoute balade by Lidegate of Bury, made at the reverence of oure
lady, Qwene of mercy. A ballade in commendation of our Lady
T. om. S. 1. I koufe to you A. mo (or more probably me)] S

(o and e are almost indistinguishable in this MS.). 2 clerkis A.

this]])e A. 3 cane mens hertis presse A. to] so T Sk. 4 hem
T. }jeire hertes A. in fere T. on fere Sk. a fnyre A. 5 fere T.

"With ful daunger payejie his subgettes hyre A. 7 Ay A (Sk.

aye!) lier servaunts do T.

Ballade at the Jicvcrence of Our Lady.

255

(2)
Wlierfore I wW now pleynly my stile redrcsse,

Of on to speke at node that will not faile :
Alias ! for dool I can nor may expresse
Hir passand pris, and that is no mervaile.
0 wynd of grace, now blows in to my saile !
0 auriat licour otf Clyo, for to Avryte
Mi penne enspire, i)f that I wold endyte !

But I will
tell instead
of One that
will not fail.

12

14

(3)
Alias ! unworthi I am liDth and unable,

To loffe suche on, all women surmountyng.
But she moost benygne be to me mercyable,
That is of pite the welle and eke the spryng :
Wherfore of hir, in laude and in preysyng,
So as I can, supported l)y hir grace,
Right thus I say, knelyng to-forn hir face, —

Though
unworthy.

19 I will pray
lier of her
gruce.

21

a)
0 sterne of sternys with thi stremys clere,

Sterne of the see, [on]-to shipmen lyght and gyde,
0 lusty lemand, moost plesaunt to appere,

Whos bright bemys the clowdis may not hide, [leaf loi, bk.]
0 Avay of lyfe to hem pat goo or ride, 26

Haven aftyr tempest surrest as to ryve,
On me haue mercy for thi loyes fyve, 28

o star of
stars!

(5)
0 rightest lewy], O rote of holynesse,

And lightsom lyne of pite [for] to pleyne,
Origynal gynnyng of grace and al goodnesse,

Best Jewel!

8 lunu] om. A. now pleynly I wol T. dresse AT. 10 Ellas 1
ne can ne may not full exjuvsse A. ne can ne T. 11 passing;

A T. tlie whiche is A. 12 )>ou hlovre nowe to A. unto T. 13
auryate T. aureate A. for to^om. A. 14 tenspyre of whiche I
thenke to wryte. 15 But sith I am sonworjjy and A. fco/A] om. T.
17 To be benigne to me and A. 18 Whiche of pj'tee is welle A.

19 ofl to A. 20 can'\ am A. 21 tofore A. 22 Souerein sterre A.
23 to] AT. on to] S. 24 leemvng A. living T. 25 /««)/] cane A.
26 til A. 27 aftyr'[ frome A. 'as] up A T. 29 lightfull" rule A T.
ro^] bote T A. 30 /or] AT. oin.?>. Z\ gynnyng] A. begynnyugS.
al] om. A.

256

Ballade at the Reverence oj Our Lady.

Clean

Chamber of
Chastity,

And clennest condite of vertu moost souerayne,
Modyr of mercy cure troubyl to restreyne, 33

Chambyr and closet clennest of cbastyte,
And namyd herberwe all of ])e deyte. 35

Fruitful
Olive,

(6)
0 closid gardeyn al void of weedes wicke,
^ Cristallyn welle of clennesse cler consigned,
Fructifying olyve of foilys faire and. tbicke,
And redolent cedyr most dervvortbly ydyned,
Eemembyr of j^eccbouris tbat to ])e ben assigned,
Or pe wycked fend bis wratb up on us wrecbe,
Lantyrn of ligbt, be ]iu oure lyfis leche.

40
42

Blissful
balm-
blossom.

(7)
Paradys of plesaunce, gladsoni to all good,
Benygne brauncbelet of tbe pigment tre,
Vinarye envermailyd, refresclier of oure food,
Lycour a^ens all langour tbat pallid may not be,
Blisful bawnie blossuni, boundyng in bounte, 47

Tbis mantel of myserycord on oure myscbef spred,
And or woo awak us, wrappe us undyr thi weed. 49

(8)
Eedy rose, flouryng witb-outyn spyne,

Founteyn of fulnesse, as beryl corrennt clere,
Some drope of thi graceful dew to us propyne,

32 And] om. A. clennest] A T. celnneat S. 34 and closef

clennest] al cloose closett A. 35 })e hyest herber of al A. all]

om. T. 36 cZos('(^] holsome A. al] om. A.. weedes] A., weed ST.
37 "Welle cristallyiie A. 38 Fructyff] A. Frnctyfyd T. 39

doworj^ely A sic. and, moost] om. A. 40 of on T. that to f)e be^i]
unto pee A. synriers A T. 41 pe] om. T. Er foule fendes on hem
peive wrathe wreche A. 42 be] om. T. l;ou bee jieire A. 43

)jou Paradys piesante gladnesse of goode A. 44 And benigne

braunclie A. pyne tree A T. 45 Vyneyerde vermayle A. food]
bote A T. 46 a^ens al] geyne A. palde that A. 47 Thou

blessed blossome A. Blysful blomy T. bounding] byding A T.
48 7nercij]A T. on our niyserie T. vppon vs spilt ]>ou] A. 49

us (1)] o>n. A T. wake and wrappe vs ay vnder A. 50 0 rody

rosyerT. OrederoosA. without T. rayllingA. b\ of fulnesse]
al fylthlesse T. currant as beryl A. currant T. Line 51 = 1. 54 in
A. 52 Grace of \>y dewe til us ]>ou do propyne A.

Ballade at the Reverence of Our Lady.

257

]ju ly,L,'lit witlioutyn iiobule, shjnyng i« tlii spere,
Medicyne to inyscheuous, pucello w/t/(Oute pere,
Flawme down to doolful lyglit of thyn i7ifiuonce,
Eemembryng tin seniaunt for tlii magnificence.

(0)
Of alle cristcn protectrix and tutele,

Eetour of exilid put in p?'oscrypcyouw,
To hem fat erryn, the path of her sequele ;
To weri wandrid, the tente paviloiui.
[J5e feynte to fiesshe, and fe pawsacion,]
Unto directe, rest and remedye,
Fcythfull unto all, )jat in the affye.

(10)

[leaf 102]

To hem that rennyth \u art [itinerarie],

0 blisful bravie, to knyghtis of thi werre,
To wery workmen \u art dyorne denarye,
Mede unto mareyneris \ai haue sailed ferre ;
Lauriat coroun, stremand as a sterre

To hem \ai putte hem '\n palastyr for thi sake,
Cours of her co?«quest, \m white as ony lake !

(11)
Thow myrthe of martiris, swetter than cytollc,

Of corafessouris richest donatytf,
Unto virgiuis the eterne aureolle,

Aforn all women hauying prerogatyff,
^[aiden and modyr, both wedow and wyff
In all this world nys noon but \u allon,
Now sen \u may, be sugyr to my mone.

54

5G

61

63

68

70

75
77

Pavilion to
wanderers,

Reward to
all.

Mirth of
iijartyrs.

53 ))0U lovely light A. Thou 0 T. </a] bright A. 54 mls-

chcucs\ T. inissers A. wit/touteu A. 55 to\ J)e T. Dryve douu

the light of J)y dere influence A.
T. servautes T. 57 tytlee A.
erren in T. To Jierroures of |)e A.
forwandred T. thc\ om. A T.
To faynte aDd to fresshe T.
directe] vnresty bothe T-
til all J)at hem in hir A.

56 Eemembryng'] om. A. On

58 Return T. recure A. 59

60 For wery wandering A.

61 om. S, substituted from A.

62 To wery wightes ful reste A.

63 Fruteful to al tho T. FrovtefuU

64-119 om. A. 64 illncra'ric] T.

eternaryte sic S. 66 she is T. 68 streming T. 69 palastre T.
71 0 myrthe T. sytole T. tytolle sic. S. 72 coufessours also

ins. T. 73 the eterne] eternal T. 75 mother and mayde T.

76/n]OfT. isT. 77 sith T.

LYDGATE. M. P. S

258

Ballade at the Jlcvcrencc of Our Lady.

True turtle
dove.

Lark of
love.

Jewel,

fairer than
all jewels.

(12)
0 trest turtyl, trowest of al trewe,

0 curteys colu??ibe, replet of all mekenesse,
0 nyghtyngale, w^t7^ thi notys newe,
0 popinjay, plumed in clennesse,
0 larke of lotf, syngyng in swetnesse,

Phebus awaityng, till in thi brest he lyght,
Undyr thi wenge at domysday us dyght !

82

84

(13)
0 ruby, rubifyed in the passyoun

All of thi sone, among haue us in mynde,
0 stedfast dyamaunt of duracyou?^,
^ That fewe feris fat tyme myghtiste thu fynde,

For noon to hym was founde half so kynde 89

0 herdy lierte, 0 louynge creature !
What was it but looff, \ai made ])e so to endure ? 91

(14)
Semely safyr, dep lowp, and blew ewage.
Stable as the lowpe, ay ewage to pite,
This is to sayn, O frescheste of visage,

Thu louyst hem unchaungid }'a^ serue the,
Or 3if ony offence or writhyng in hem be,
}pu art ay redy up-on her woo for to rewe,
And hem I'eseyuyst, ya,a reemis of thyn ewe.

96

98

[15]

Gladded by 0 goodly gladid, whan fiat Gabriell

W/t/i joie the grette, pat may not be noumbrid.

leaf 102, back]

Or halfe the joie who cowde wryte or telle,
When the Holy Goost to the was obumbrid,
Wher thorgh pat fendys were utterly encombrid 1 103
0 wemles mayden, enbelysshed w^t7i his byrthe,
That man and aungell per-off had[den] myrthe? 105

78 trusty T. truefastest T. 81 pured with al T. 82 laueroke T.
83 in] on T. 86 aW] om. T. vs haue amouge T. 87 dyametre
T. 88 fcwe] any T. 89 founden T. 91 to] om. T. 9^ saphre
T. 93rtv]ow!. T. /o]ofT. 94 0] the T. 95 unchaunged
hem T. 96 and if offence T. varyeng T. 97. /or] om. T. 98
recey vest with hert ful trewe A. 10iyo;V] blisse T. 103 ]mt'] om.
T. hytterly T. 10\ with]mT. 105 /ia(^] S. hodden T.

Ballade at the Reverence of Our Ladij.

2r.f)

(16)
Loo, licre the blossum and l)iul of all oure glorye,

Off "whecli ])at prophetys spak so long afoni ;
Loo, here the same )?at was in niemorye
Of Ysaie, long or she was born ;
Loo here, [of] Dauid the delicyous corn ;
Loo, here the grouiul J?at list to onbelde,
Becomyn man, [our] raunsouw for to jelde,
(17)
0 glorious viole, 0 vitre i?iviolate !

O fery Tytan percyd with the lemys,
Whos vertuo?f6' bryghtnesse was ire thi brest vibrate,
Tliat all this Avorld enl)elisshed wtt// his bemys !
Conseruatrix of kyngdamys and Kemys ;
0 Isaye seed, O swete Sunamyte,
Mesure my mornynge, myn owne margarite !
(18)
0 soueraynest, sowht out of syon,

0 punycall pome agens all pestilence :
And auryat urne, in whonx was bonk and boon
The agnelet, that fought for oure offence
Ajens the serpent w/tA so high defence

That like a lyoun \ii victory he was founde ;
To hym commende us of mercy most habounde !
(19)
0 precyous perle, with-outyn ony pere,

Cokyl w/t/t gold dew from aboue Ireyned,
})?i busshe unljrent, ferk'[s] set affere,

FlaAvmyng in ferncce, not w/t// hete peyned,
Duryng dayse, with no wedyr steyned,
Flesch undefoulyd of gentyl Gedeon,
And fructifyyng fay rest, the jerd of Aaron.

Blossom
ofRM our
B'ory.

110

112

Glorious
Vial.

\\\

119

124

126

131

133

106 and the budde of glorie T. 107 tlie projihete so loiige spake
beforneT. 108 so loiige T. 110o/]T. w«. S. Ill ground of
lyfe in to bylde T. 112 Becouiing T. o«r] T. o»i. S. 114

persing with the hemes T. 115 thV^oui. T. 116 //i/.s] the T.

lemes T. 117 conservatrice of kynges dukes and realnies T.

118 Of Isaies. 120 A resumes here. of out S. 121-127 om.
T A. 122 Skeat emends to bouk and boon, book and born MS.
128 gfoWrffw.'] glorie A. bcrayned']T. 129 ferlett sec. S. fjrelcsse
fyre set on T. fuyrles thou sette vppon A. 130 infcrnccc'\ with
fervence T. empeyred A. IcJl )'0U during ins. A. with] that T.
wether A T. distayned A. 133 ))e fnictefying yerde J)owe of
Aron A.

S 2

Precious
Pearl.

260

Tlic Fijfftene loyes of Oure Ladij {II).

(20)
The my[3]ti arke, probatyk piscj^ne,

Lawghynge aurore and of pees olyve,
Columpne and base up-beryng from abyme,
Why ner I connyng the for to discrive %
Chesen for losep, wlian he took to wyve,
Unknowyng hyni, childyng be myrakyll,
And of our [manhode truwe] tabyrnakyll.

138
140

Blessed
Lady,

well of good-
ness,

that bare
Jesus nine
months,

50. THE FYFFTENE lOYES OF OUEE
LADY (II).

[MS. B.M. Titus A. xxvi, leaves 157, back, to 160, back.]

lo my lordes and ladyes here Begynnen \e fyfFtene
loyes of oure lady cleped )>e xv. Goes translated
out of Frenshe into Englisshe by daun John the
Monke of Bury at ])instance of \e worshipfull
Pryncesse Isabelle nowe Cou/ztasse of Warr' lady
Despenser.

(1)

Jjlessed lady, 0 Pryncesse of mercy !
Moder ecallyd of grace and of pyte,
Welle of goodnesse, fat sprang most souerainly,
Clere as cristalle in J)y virgynite,

Whiclie for f»y meryte of humylite 5

Bare Criste Iliesu, oure lorde most souuereyne,
Nyen monthis betvvene py sydes twayne, 7

134 Thowe A. iji.y?/'/] S 5;V;. mighty T A. probatyfe T. the
probatyfe A. 136 Pillar from bnse bering from A. 137 /or]

of T A. 138 %vhan] whom T. Chosen of god whonie losoph gaf to
wyve A. 139 bare Cryste by greet A. 140 manhode'] A. of
our manly figure the T. of our mar figure sic S. our] lesus A.

Note. — I follow S, the oldest text, but amend slightly, as
the text is very corrupt. This amending is not marked in the text
in lines 31, 32, 71, 120, 122.

MS3. B.M. Cotton Titus A xxvi, leaves 157, back, to 160, back
= C ; Trin. Coll. Camb. R. 3. 21, leaves 170 to 172, back = T.
Title in T {in Stowe's hand) ,-. 1560, MS. of date c. 1480, The xv
ioyes of our lady securtdu/>i lydgate. lohn lydgate. 1 0] T.

2 callyd.

llic Fi/fftcnc loi/cs of Oiirc Zad//.

201

(2)
Owt of ])y brestes, sofft as any silke,

Willi chere ami looke benigne and debonnairc,
Tliow gave liym soiiken of ]>y swote niylke
Vnto J)y pappes whan liyiii lyst ropayre ;
\)owe cliosen of God, layreste of all fayru 1 12

Pray to thy sune, every houre and space
Vpon me haue mercy and gyve me grace, 14

(3)
That I may com to his miserycorde

By confessyon and trewe repentaunce, —
And thow -woldest to my request acorde —
Here for my synnes that I may do peuannce,
And eke my sowle with helthe so avaunce 19

That I may v,-ith humble and trewe entente,
Or I passe hennys, Eesceyue the sacreniente. 21

(4)

My loye, my blisse, my lorde, my saveoure !
"With fayth en tore here, in forme of bred,
AVhanne I shal parte thowe be my protectour, [leafiss]
"Wit/ioute Avlios helpe in sothe I can no red ;
And grant also, or that I here be ded, 26

jpat I may knele, 0 f owe hevenly qwene !
To-for thyne ymage tymes tolde fifftene. 28

(5)
Primwm gaudiu??i.

0 qwene of heven, of helle eke Emparesse !

Alle creatures in goodnesse surmonting, —

For f'ilke loye fowe haddeste of gladnesse

When that Gabriell brought fee pe tythinge

That the lord and Jje moste souerein kynge 33

Sente pe Holy Goste, for to alyght in the,

To take of niekenesse oure humanytee, 35

suckled Iliiii
Willi thy
breasts,

pray to Him
to liave
iiKTcy on
ine.

Let me kneel
before thine
altar fifteen
times.

For the joy
of Gabriel's
greeting,

10 souke, swete. 11 jwppc.i] T. brestis C. 13 houre and] om. C.
14 On me to. gyve mc] renew my. 17 line omitted in. C 19 eke]
om. so to ins. T. 20 and] om. T. 26 ded here] C v:ith no caret
or other indication here. om. T. 28 Explicit prolo^'ue ins. T. The
marginalia of G. om.T. 31 >t7ir] that T. and T. 32 that]
om. T. \>ee] om. T. 33 ^r] om. T.

262

The Fyfftene loyes of Ourc Lady.

For the joy
of meeting
Blizabeth,

(6)
pray for me. Pray to thy sune of mercy and pite

For me tavoyde all fat schoulde liym displaise,

And \fiih liis grace so to enspyre me

And doune descends to sette myn herte in cse,

That I by grace gostely may him pleesse 40

From day to day, and where as I offende,

Scone to repente and my lyff eke amende. 42

Aue Maria.

(7)
Secundu??i gaudium.
And, blessed lady borne in Kazarythe !

For thylke loye Jjow haddest, and pleasaunce,
Whan thoue metteste \H\Ji Sainte Elisabethe,

)?yne hooly Consyne, moste humble of countenaunco, —
And sheo agaynwarde vfiih deuoute obayssaunce, 47
Lowely beholding vppon thyn holy face,
And in her armes })ee lowly did embrace 49

(8)
Withe the spryte ffulfilled of propliecye,

Thoroughe grace of God )3at was vpon her falle;

At youre meting fus shee gan to crye,

"Blessed be powe among thes wymmen alle !

And alle folkes shulde pee blessed calle, [i leaf i5S,bk.] 54

Blessed be ]je frvte of ])e that schall be borne,

^ Of whome fe prophetis so long spake to-forne ; " 56

(9)
For ])ilke loye, 0 mayden niost entyre !

Be my socoure in al meschiefe and drede.

And ])at })ovve liste me gracyously to here

In all distresse, 0 welle of goodlyhede ;

For all my truste is in ]jy wommanhede, 61

And in thy mercy where as that I wende.

And euer .schal be vn-to my lyves ende. 63

Aue Maria.

and her
blessing,

be my
succour.

37 to avoyde T. 38 so] T. for C. 42 eke] to T. 44 thylke]
that T. 45 sainte:] om. T. 46-47 rev. T. 49 her] his C. hyr T.
50 spyryt T. 51 opon hyr was T. 52 youre] they re T. 54
shall T. 55 and blissyd T. which of the shall T. 56 \>c] om. T.
57 ]>Uke] that T. 59 ]>at] than T. 61-62 rev. T.

The Fi/Jj'tcnc loyra of On re Lady.

2G3

a. • ,• (10)

lercuiiu craudiuin. ^

O sterro of hevene ! 0 iuaryner[i]3 gyde !

Hem to releeve in all )jyre troble and payne,
For f)ilke loye })er liadist vn eche syde

Whan tlioue feltcst atwixc |)i llanlces tvene
\i\ Messed sune, J)e lord moste souuereyne, 68

To \>y plesaunce nioeven too and froo,
Be my deffence \n al luyscheef and woo. 70

(11)
And blessed lady of niooste Excellence

In eury-thing ))at slioulde thy seruante greeue

Helpe to thy sonne ])at I do none offence,

But him to seruo, stere myn herte and meve,

And in all niysclieffe }jat thowe me releve, — 75

For to jjy grace, as to mooste cheeff socoure,

For helpe I fie in all worldely laboure. 77

Aue Maria.

(12)
Quartum Gaudium.

Moste good, moste holy, and fayreste on to see !

For ])ilke loye thoiie haddeste in thyne hert [leafuoi

"Whanc Cryste was born in Bedlem fe citee,

jjowe socoure me in all my peynis smert,

And pray thy sune, of mercy to aduert 82

To-forne his birthe and blessed passyon ^

When I shall dye, to my Rede?>ipcyoun. 84

Kor llio joy
of fet!lin(;

Uiv iSoii,

be my
defence.

Fur thojoy
when Christ
was born,

pray to Him
for me.

(13)

Aue Maria.

QuintU7« gaudiu???.

Gracyeuse princesse ! of mercy most habounde, [leaf i58, back]

For pilke ioye of ful gret Excelence,
Thou haddeste ))anne, wliane ]>e shepherdes fonde
\)Q ster in bedlem, and came to J>y presence,
Pray to thy sonne for his maguyfysence,
That he of mercy be my protecion
Agaynst eche troble of trybulacyon.

Aue Maria.

89

91

For tlie joy
when the
stiepherds
found Thee,

I)ray to

64 0] om. T. Sterre of the see of T. 66 \>ilke] that T. vn] in.
67 feltcst] T. fcdcM C. 70 dcffcncc] defaute T. 72 eury'] anv T.
76 as to] for T. sts. 12-13, rev. in C. 79 that T. 81 socoure] T.
socourid C. 85 And gracious ins. T. most] T. om. C. 86 that T.
87 had T. H om. T. 89 for] of T. 91 Agayns T. of] and T.

264

The Fyfftene loycs of Ourc Lady.

The joy of
the Three
Kings.

For the joy

of Simeon's
prophecy,

beseech the
Lord to liear
me.

(14)
Sextum Gaudium.

Benygne lady, nicest kj'iidely lodesterre ! [leaf i59]

For pilke loye ])Owe hadeste in sylence,
Whane three kynges cam to the frome so ferre,
And meekly otfred \\i\Ji digne reuerence
Vnto thy sune golde, myrre, and frauke-ensence, 96
Pray to fat lord of mercy niooste entere,
Gracyously taccepte my preyere. 98

Aue Marye.
(15)
Septimu??? Gandium.

And holy pryncesse of thyne heghe goodnesse,

For })ilke hye loye and consolacyon .
Thowe haddeste panne whanne viiih all meknesse
To Symyon fowe madest oblacyone,
And of thy sune a presentacyone, - 103

And Symyon Wit7i humble chere and face
Withe bothe hy.s armes hym lowly did eubrace ; 105

(16)
Beseche that Lord my prayer to resceyue,

And my requeste that he note Eefuse,
My meke complayntes of grace to conceyve ;
And where my giltes and tresspasses me accuse
\)j medyacyoue moste me Jjer excusse 110

And sithe thoue arte of mercy sours and welle,
Help fat his mercy may his Ryght precelle. 112

For the joy
of finding
Jesus when
thou hadst
lost Him in
Jerusalem,

Aue Maria.

(1')

Octauujn Gaudium.

0 lyght and lanterne of synfull fat been blynde !

jpeyre souerayne supporte in trybulacyne, '^
In Ihereusalem fy sune leffte byhynde, [i leaf 159, back]
^ Whane thoue and Joseph Avent out of fe towne ;
For fylke gladdest Restitucyone 117

)?ou haddest fa^ne, when fowe came agayne
And in the temple haste fy sonne eseyne, 119

92 inoest kyndely'] mankyndys T. 93 tliat T. 95 dignc'] dew T.
^&franke] om. T. 98 taccepte^ to accept T. take vp C. 100 tliat.
hye'] om. T. 101 whanne] wlien T. and wanne C. 105 hym] T.
om. C. Ill of] to T. sours] seure C. course T. 117

gladdest] Icy moost gladde C. that baddest T. 119 sayn T.

TJic Fijfftcnc loijcs oj On re Lady.

2G5

(18)
Preserue nie that I be not loste tliorouglie synne preserve me.

Rut thoroiighe \y mercy )'at I may Le fonde,
Lat ])y pitee neucr fro me twyiino,

And that thy grace to mewarde euer Kubouiide,
Suffre none enemy Jiy seniant to coufounde, 124

But in al mysclieef fat shoulde me dyscoumfort,
Yn-to tliy heli)e ])at I inay ay Resorte. 126

aue Maria.
(19)

Of ])e Holy Gooste, 0 Jiowe cliossine taharnacle !

At the -weddyng of liim Arcliideclyne,
For l)ilke loye ]>o\\c haddeste Ity myracle,
Wlian \Q water was tornyd in-to wynne
|)ere by \y snne, 0 blessed lady myne ! 131

Praye him for me, 0 pryncesse moost notable !
Or he me deme, for to bee mercyable. 133

NonuM}
Gaudium.

For the joy
of t)ie
miracle at
Cana,

jray Him
lor me.

Aue Maria.

(20)

Pecimum
Gaudium.

Fayreste of fayre moost gracieuse and benigne

Whos goodnesse no clarke cane descryve,
For that myracle and fat gloryous signe

Whanne Criste fyve thousand fedde W2't/( loves fyve,
For filke loye, fowe socoure me nowe belyve, 138

And graunte I may, 0 fowe hewenly Roose !
My fyve wittes to fy plesaunce dispoose. 140

Aue Maria.
(21)

And gloryose Pryncesse, for fat hegh pytee y

}?oue whylome haddest, and grette compassyoun, Vntieci-

TITl TIT muTii

Whanne pat fy sonne thoroughe lowys cruAvelte Gaudium.
Hade for oure sake dethe, pyne, and passyone '^
Wppon fe crosse, for oure Eedempcyone; ^ 145

Thoroughe thy prayer my soule foue gouerne, 146
Me to delyuer frome dethe Avhichis eterne. [itafieo]

Aue Maria.

120 that] T. Qvi. C. lostc] space Uft vacant T. 121 \y\ om. T.
123 cjtcr] ay T. 125 in] T. o??i. C. 126 av] om. T. 127 0]
om.T. 128 him] om.T. 129 that T. 130 so z?i T. Whan
he K water tornvd ))er to C. 131 Tlierfore T. 136 ]>at (2)]

om.T. 138 that. ]Kmr]o7n.T. blvue T. 139 1 7nay] me T.
141 hcQh] om. T. 143 ]>at] om. 144 Suffred T. 145 \>e] a.
146 thy] T. my C. I'Onc] so T. 147 u-hich] that T.

For the joy
of the
miraculous
feeding of
iOOO,
succour me.

For the joy
of thy pity,

at Christ's
passion,

govern my
soul.

266

The Fyfftcne loycs of Oure Lady.

For the joy
of His
resurrectioD,

I>ray Him I
may arise.

For the joy
of His

ascension,

pray Him
for grace.

For tlie joy
of Pentecost,
illumine
my heart.

(22)
Duodecimu??i Gaudium.
And for that loye alle loyes dotlie precelle,

"VVliyche foue haddeste, pryncesse of moste renoun !
Vppon that daye playnly for to telle
Of his vpe-Eyste and Rysereccyone,
As he that was of luda pe lyone, 152

0 gloryeuse ladye ! pray hym in humble -vvyse
From synfull lyff by grace I may aryse. 154

Aue Maria.
(23)
Terciu??ideciu??i Gaudium.
0 hevenly qwene ! of mercy condesceude

For filke loye to here myne orysoun,
j3o\ve haddeste fat day, whanne he did ascende
Vp to that high hevenly mansyoun ;
Pray hym for grace and supportacioun, 159

Affter his tracys )3at I my lyffe may lede
To his plesaunce, atweene hope, love, and drede. 161

Aue Marya.

(24)

And of pryncesses, 0 J)o\v moste gracyous !

& most accepted in J)e lordes sight
For J'ylke loye in Erthe moste famous

]5o\v haddeste fiat day, whan )5e Holy Gooste alight
Downe from abovve, pe sterre clere and bryght ; 1G6
For fiylke grace J)at day dede on the shyne,
"With lyght of verteue myne herte Jjowe enlumyne. 168

Aue Marya.

(25)

Quintu)ndecimu?H Gaudium.
Of alle blessed 0 powe blessedeste ! —
Jjere may be made no comparysoun — .

156 that T. 158 Vppon T. high'] hygh T. liiglit C. 161 atweene]
T. so tweene C. 162 pryncesses] T. pryncesse C. 163 accepted]
T. excepted C. M thy T. 164 that T. 166 cZere] T. clene C.
\Q1 For]T. OtfC. thatT. 168 friY/i] T. Whyche C. o/] T. om.
C. ^loioe] thow T. to C. 169 0 ]wiue blessedeste] wemen most

blessedest T.

The Fijfftenc loycs of Oinr Lid if. 2G7

For jjylke loye, of loyes souueryiieste, ^ For iiio joy

Whychc jjowe haddeste in |)y hevenly mansyou
Vppun the day of byne assumpcyoun, 173 "'tiiy

' * "^ AM.suiiij)tiou,

Wlian God above gaii) for )?e to provyde,

As qvene of heven, to sitte on his ryght syde 175

(26)

With a corone of hevenly stonys cler,

Gemmes of werteue, of pavfit hoolyiiesso,
Of Eychesse and beawte moost [ejntiere,

For )3ey transcended alle o])er in noblesse ; [leaf leo, backi
For, J'yike loye, 0 hevenly emperesse ! 180

Piay to thy sonne wiih hert conteniplatytt" ^^'^^^ "'^'

That whan ]>at I schall parte oute of Jjys lyfT 182

(■^-)
I may in herte liaue fey the and ful creance hive fil'if'^

/ And mekely make my confessyoune, romissioii

And of my synnes haue deue repentaunce,
\V^t/i cdntryte lierte do satisfacyoune,
And to passe hennes with ful liemyssyouu 187

0 blessed lady ! thoroughe grace of ]>y piayere
To gette a place above fe sterres clcre. 189

(28)
On alle my frendis haue pite & mercy, H'*^^ "'^'■<'y

J I J ' on my

On myne alyaunce and on my kynrede, friends and

And vppon alle ))at love fee feythfuUy, a'"^ a" *'>»*

Remember of grace, O welle of •\vomanhede ! 193

Ami graunte me grace with thought, worde, and dede,
The for to serve vnto my lyvys Ende,
And my soole to saue whaiO I schale hens wende. 196

Amen.

171 that T. Ioye(l)]om.T. 17 i to] om. 176 crowne T.
177 Gc7nni^s] Stones T. of] and T. 180 that T. 182 ]>at] om. T.
184 make here ins. C. 186 and Jo ms. T. 190 Of niercv and
pyte T. i-ite mercy C. 191 allyes T. o?i (2)] om. T. 192 on. T.
louyn T. 195-6 read in T : To lone the best in-to my lyfys ende
And ioy euerlastyng when I shall hens wende. E.'cplicit (John
lydgate, in Stowe's hand, addM T).

268

The Fifteen Joys and Sorroivs of Mary.

In early
morning,

I once
ojiened a
book,

in which
was set a
Pity (Pieta)
of Mary,

and the
Fifteen Joys
and Sorrows
rubricated
black and
red.

51. THE FIFTEEN JOYS AND SORROWS OF

MARY.

[MS. B.M. Harley 22.n5, leaves 88 to 93.]

Atween mydnylit and the fressh morwe gray [leaf ssj

Nat yore ago, in lierte ful pensiff.
Of tliouglitful sihes my peyne to put away,
Caused by the trouble of this vnstabil liff,
Vnclosyd a book, that was contemplatiff ;
Of fortune turnyng the book, I fond
A meditaciou/j which first cam to myn bond,

(2)
Tofor which was sett out in picture

Of Marie an ymago ful notable,
Lylce a pyte depeynt was the figure

With Aveepyng eyen, and cheer most lamentable :
Thouh the proporciou?^ by crafft was agreable,

Hir look douw cast witli teerys al bereyned, —
-■' Of hertly sorwe so soore she Avas constreyned.

12

14

(3)

[leaf 88, back]

Vpon the said meditaciou/?,

Of aventure, so as I took heed.
By diligent and cleer inspecciou?*,

I sauh Rubrisshis, departyd blak and Reed,
Of ech Chapitle a paraf in the heed,

Remembryd first Fifteene of her gladynessys.
And next in ordre were set hyr hevynessys.

19

21

MSS. B.M. Harley 22f)f), leave.s 88 to 93 = H ; Trin. Coll. Cam.
R. 3, 21, leaves 157 to 161, baek = T; leaves 232 to 236 = t (2" copy);
Jesus Coll. Camb. 56, leaves 53 to 56 = J ; Bodley 686, leaves 207
to 208, back = B. Title; lacking in H t ; Incipiunt quindecim
f^audia beate marie J : . . . Here begynnethe lie prologe of ye
XV loyes of our ladye B ; {in Shire's hand) here is ye begynynge
of the XV loyes & the xv sorowes that our blissyd lady had
whill she was on erthe T. 1 Betwene B T t. morow fresshe
T t. 2 longe agon B. agoue t. 7 came furst T. myn] om.

T. Lines 9 to 14 read in B, Of marie a gracious faire ymage
Glad of chere depeynt was ]>e. figure Holdyng a child feirest
of visage Which to beholde of hert and of hole corage |>e
more y loked ]ie more y founde gladdnessis And recomfort of alle
okle heuynessis. 11 c^ccr] the T. 12greali]eT. 13reygnydT.
1 4 so .wore] of chere T. 16so] o/n. T. 17 dyl.ygence T t. l"8sayTt.
20 gladnesse T t B. gladnes J. 21 heuynesse T t B. heuynes J.

Tlic Fifteen Joya and Sorrows of Mari/.

209

Off ecli of them the iioiu»bre was Fifteene,

Bothe of hir Ln'es ami her ailvcivitees,
Ech after othir, and to that hevenUe <jueene
T smih Oon Icneele deuoutly on liis kiiees ;
A Pater-noster and ten tynie Auees 26

In ordre he sayde [at tliende] of ech hallade
Cessyd nat, tyl ho an oende made. 28

Folwyng the Ordre, as the picture stood,

By and l>y in that ho<ily place,
To beholde it did myn herte good ;
Of affecciou?? turnyd nat my face,
But of entent, leiseer cauht and space, 33

Took a penne, and wroot in my maneere
The said balladys, as they stondyn heere. 35

¥^xpUcit prolog?^'.

(6)
Blissed braunche that sprong out of lesse
Which were allone, as clerkys telle can,
Ground and gynnyng of our felicite,
For thilke ioye wliich thu liaddist than
Whan thu were offryd by loachim and Anne 40

In-to the temple, by scripture as I fynde.
Pray for thy servauntis and haue upon he??i mynde.

pater noster X Aue.

(")
Glorious mayde, 0 Eoote of hoolynesse, [leaf 89]

For thilke ioy thu liaddyst many wise,

From God above whan angelis gan hem dresse

For thy lueritis the to do seruise.

Daily to wayte in al ther best guyse, 47

24 to] do J. that] the T t. 27 at thendc] om. J H. and atte
})ende T t. 23 an] oon J. 29 /he (1)] in T t. 30 hoohj] om. T t.
35 stonde B. stoden J {sic). Here ende)' pe prolog oF \)e xv loyes
& begy?iuej) ^e tale B. B numbers each stanza on the margin in
red. The 1. Ioye, etc. Beg. 1. 183 has. The 1. heuynysse, etc., up
to XV. paternoster, etc.] om. B T. 37 clercs J. tell J T.

38 begynnyng T. 39 thilke] that T. ylke J. then B. 40

was J. 42 vpon theym haue T t. tham J. jjeym B. the instruc-
tions in red and blue letters t. 43 0] and T. 44 that T. ylk J.
45 abouen T. Aungell J. 47 tawavte B.

I saw .a'so
one who Hnid
a Pafor-
iiosti^r and
ten Avns at
till? end
of eai'li
liiillade.

Cliecrod liy
thi.s sight,

I took a pen
and wroie
till' ballades,
as they
stand here.

Tlie joy of
the aiijiels'
service.

270

The Fifteen Joys and Sorroivs of Mary.

The joy of
the Annun-
ciation.

The joy of

Elizabeth's

greeting.

Pray for tliy servauntis of mercy and tak heede,
Of al thy servauntis that calls to the at needs. 49

]:)ater iioster X Aue.

(8)
J.lm that art callyd glorie of Israel,

For thilke loye, moost soversyn of renou?^,

Which thu haddist Avhan thau?igil Gabriel

Bronht the tydying from the hevsns dou/?,

First kalsndys of our savaciou??,

With this woord Eva turnyd to Aue,

On al thy servauntis haue mercy and pyte.

ixder noster X Aue

(9)

And for that loye thu haddist in certeyn,

When Elizabeth moost meekly with the mstte,

Fulfillsd Avith gracs vpon an hih niounteyn,

Thy blissed Cosyn devoutly ther the grette,

Hir child reiosshyng, she list no lenger lette,

In hir armys moost goodly she the rawhte^—

Saids thes woordys, the Hooly Goost hir tawhte : 63

54

56

61

(10)
" olissed be thu amongys women alle !

Blisssd bs the fruts that shal be born of the !
What may this mene % or how is this bsfalle,
]\Iy lordys moodir, for to comyn to nis % "
Now for the meritis of thyn hvmylite 68

Socoure alle tho that kneelyn afor thy fface,
Fro Sathanys myght whan he doth hem menace. 70

pater noster X A iie.

(11)
Among the ioyes it was a loye in clieeff, [leaf 89, backj

Occasiouw souht wher it was no nsede,

Whan Abiathar wold ha maad a preefF,

49 All that call to the in theyre iiede T t. 50 Tliou arte ycalled
R. 53 the {\)']om. T. adoun B. 55 icoord] om. J. in to

Tt J. 62 the] om. J. 63 To sey Tt. 66 may] ys T t.

is thif'] it is B. 67 for] one T t. come B J. 69 knele

B T t J. to f"re B. 70 tham J. 71 the] >i B T t J.
B. 73 hane J T t.

72 non

Tlic Fifteen Joys aiul Sorrows of Mary.

271

Onleyiiod a ilrynk to preevyn thy iiiaydcnlieede.

For that loye tlni haddist tlian in deode, 75

Blissed lady fultilled of all grace,

Pray to thy sone to re we on our trespace. 77

/infer iiosfcr X Ane.
(12)

And for that loye surmountyng loyes alle,

Which thu haddist of qweenys sovereyne,

Wlian thu besyde an oxis stalle

Bar crist iesn, feelyng no soor nor peync ;

"- Mayde and moodir ! of mercy nat disdeyne 82

'J"o save thy servauntis from al adversite,

Tliat doon worship to his natiuite. 84

2)afer noster X Aue.
(13)

And for that loye thu haddist in Bedleem,

AVhan the shepherdys cam the to visile,
Tliro kynges broughte, fohving the sterrys streem,
Gold, mirre, and ffranc, with offryng the tac(iuite,
And angelis song did gretly the delite ; 89

Eeleeve alle tho fro myscheef and grevaunce.
Which the to serve haue set al ther plesaunce. 91

pater noster X Aue.
(14)
And for that loye thu haddist eok also,

Whan thu were passyd of Herowd the power ;
The angil hyddyng that thu shuldist go

Toward Egipt, and fleen from his daunger ;
Yeve audience vnto our prayer, 96

Sauff thy servauntis fro trouble and fro shame
Which of hool herte calle to thy name. 98

jxifer noster X Aue.
(15)
And for thy loyes and gladnessys moost habounde [leaf 90]

At diners tymes sent to the by grace,
And specially wlian thu thy sone founde

74 preue J B T t. 76 o/j in J. 77 oitr'] my T t. 80 ox T t.
81 no] uor B. 82 mavdvn T t. 84 do B. his] ]>m T. 85

bedlehem B. Bethleein Tt. 86 come J. 88 thevm T t. them
J B. 89 them J. 91 ther] hir B. j.evre T. 93 iccrr]

we T. 94 that] om. T t. 95 tie Tt J. 98" hole J. hert T t.
99 gladnes T t J. 100 tymc T t.

The joy of
the jiroof of
cliastity.

The joy of

His birth.

The joy of
the (lilts of
shejilierds
and kings.

The joy of
the escape
from Herod.

272

The Fifteen Joys and Sorrows of Mary.

The joy of
fiiidin}:
Jesus at
Jerusalem.

The joy at
Caiia.

The joy of

His resur-
rection.

The joy of
His ascen-
sion.

Among doctours sittyng in the place,
Myd lerusaleem, disputyng a long space, 103

Eor which loye Rewe upon the smerte i MS. hooid.
Of alle the folk that love thee of hool^ herle. 105

pater noster J( Aue.
(16)
And for that loye tliu haddist yore ago,

At the feeste of Archydeklyne,
Whan graciou.s Ie.su aftir the v>'yn was do
Lyst of his poweer turne watir to wyne :
For which loye, 0 blyssyd lady myne ! 110

Eemembre on alle, and make ther hertys light,
That haue devocioun to serve the day and nyght. 112

pater noster X Ave.

And for that loye, Oon of thy loyes five,
That folwyd afftir thy sonys passion??-,-^
The day whan he arroos fro deeth to lyve,
Had spoiled Sathan of his possessiouw, ^
And f et Adam from the Infernal dongou?z, 117

Saide Salue sancta parens whan ye mette.
For which loye relaxe our goostly dette. 119

l>ater noster X Aue.
(18)
And for the loye thu haddist on the day

Of thy sonys glorious assensioun,^
Wlian thu beheld a thyng nioost to thy pay.
How he stey vp to his fadrys mansioun,^
A loye surmountyng in comparison;' ; 124

For which loye 0 lady, let hem fynde
Help at ther neede, that hath this feeste in mynde.

pater noster X Aue.
(19)
And for that loye thu haddist in thy thouht, [leaf oo, bacuj
To gret encrees to thy felicite,

104 i'/zf] theyre T. theym T. 105 i!/(fc] the T t. lioole Tt.

hole J B. hert T t. 107 Architriclyne J. architryclyne T t.
109 vn to J. into B. 112 ffiwrf] or T J t. 112, thy]]>e 3. the Tt.
114 folowid J. folowvd T. 115 roose Tt. from T t. 118 v'l
})ei J. pe B. he )>e T. 119re]eseTt. dett J. det T t. I'iS
stye J B. styedTt. 126 Aa^/i] haue B Tt J. ^Ats] that t. 128
to\2)]ol BTt.

llic Fifteen Joji^ and Sorroiv.'^ of Mary.

273

Whan Gabriel the palmc hath to the brouht,
Sent fro lesu, decUxryng vnto tlie
"NVithynne tlire dayes thu shuldyst Avith hyni be,
Ilih in the heuene to sitte on the riht syde,
To which place of mercy be our guyde.

The joy of
tlie jialm
ItroiiKlit iliee
. - . Iiy (iabrinl
1 o 1 from Jesus.

133

pater noster X Aue.

(20)

X* or thilke loye of ffauious excellence

Thu haddist tliat day, in stoory as I reede,
Whan alle apostelis cam to thy presence

From divers partyes to plesyn thy womanheede,
Som bookys telle they made ther the Creede, 138

For which loye thu haddist than of newe,
On thy servauntis haue mercy and do rewe. 140

pater noster X Aue.

(21) ^

A.nd for that loye moost sovereyn of renou?*,

Whan Clirist lesu hath his angelis sent
The to conveye to the heuenly mansioun,-^
Soule and boody above the the firmament,
Ther to be crounyd as queen moost excellent, 145

With thy Sone eternally in glorye,
Pray for thy servauntis that have ))e in memorye. 147

2''ater noster X Aue.

(22)

loyes fifteen remembrid heer to-forn
As the charg[e] was vpon me leyd,
In contemplacioun there be no tyme lorn.
The Pater-nostres and the Aues dewly seyd,
Bv interupciouji makyng noon abreyd, 152

Tyl of our la«ly be sayd the ful Sawteer,
As heer-to-forn is shewvd the maneer. 154

The joy of

the rever-
ence of the
Apostles.

The joy of
thy Assump-
tion.

Thus the
joys are
tinished.

129 to the had T t. 131 sholdist J. 1.32 the'] his B. 133
o mercyfnll T t. 134 ylke .T. loyes T t. 136 Jiapposteljs B.
137 plese B T t. 140 On] Of T t. U2 had T. Aungel B T t.
143 coniryc] conceyue .J. thr] his Tt. 148 loijes] These

Tt. 149 c^nrgrr] BTtJ. 151 <A« (2)] o?«. B. 153 Psalter J.
Explicinnt quindccim gavdia bcatc Marie virginis T t. lydgate
(Stow's hand) t. Explicit J.

LYDGATE, M. F. T

274

TJie Fifteen Joys and Sorroics cf Mary.

Now follow
the Sorrows,

with prayers
set between.

which I have

also trans-
lated.

God grant

it displease
lier not.

166

168

(23)
As ye haue herd accomplisshid the gladncssis [leaf yi]

By a meditaciou?* toold in especial,
Folwyng in ordre were set his hevynessys
And reniembryd his sorwys pryncipal,
Ful lamentable and somnie ful mortal, 159

Of acts conservyd the observaunce,
As heer-to-forn is put in remembrannce. IGl

(24)
Off Paternostres and aues seid betweene
The same noumbre witli good devociou?;,
The hevenessys rehersyd ful ffifteene

At eende of everich, as maad is mencioun,
By a maneer pitous compassiou?^"^

With our lady, hir sorwys to complayne,
Lik as the picture in ordre did ordeync.

(25)
VV hich to reherse, outhir to remembre,

Lyk as I fond I caste me to endite,
Of dreadful herte tremblyng in euery menibre,
jNly penne quakyng Avhan I gan to write.
For to beholde the terys reed and white 173

In sondry placys from liir eyness reyne.
Which to considre it was to me gret peyne. 175

(2G)
God graunt it be to hir no displesannce,

That I Avas bold to writen, seyn, or reede
Hir heuynessis, list the remembraunce

Of sorwys passyd, which she felte in deede,
In any wise shuld trouble hir wonianlieede, 180

But of compassioun they may myn herte perce.
To that entent I do hem heere reherce. 182

Explicit prologus,

155 gladnes JBTt. ^f>& tookl] om.Tt. tel B. 157 /ar]

in J. heuvnes T t B J. 160 the same JBTt. 162 0/7] Wliyche
ofTt. 165 ^il] And Tt. 166 pituous J. pyteousTt. passion?*
Tt. 1 69 07i<Air] or B. other H. 170 cast I me J. 171

tremlyng J. 172 can J. 174 eyne JTtB. 175 it] om. B.
177 wryte J H. 178 heuynesse T. heuynes J. 182 hcere^^

om. J t. 180 tuanling in T.

The Fifteen Joijs awl Sorrows of Marif.

275

O gloriitus niayilc ! for that heuynesse, [lenf in, back]

Wliicli tliu liaddist hy a maneer comploynyng,
Wlian tlio r>issh(ip iliil liis liosynesso

Twcen the and loscph to make the weddyng,
Agayn tlientent of ehaast livyng, 187

Which reineiubryng, flour of virginite,
On tliy sorvauntis liaue mercy and pite. 189

pater noster X Aue.
(28)
JAcmembie, 0 pryncos, and re we upon our wo,

Lat our request of tlie nat he refusyd,
For the heuynesse tliu haddist eek also
To be with childe whan tliu were accusyd,
There watir of preeff drank, as it was usytl, 194

Youe by the bisshop, and founde ay undefowlyd.
Pray for thy servauntis that been in synne mowlyd. 1 9G

pater noster X Ave.
(29)
And for that sorwe, verray importable.

Which thu haddist whan the angel bad the fle,
From Herodys the tyrauut vntretable,
Slouh Innocentys of hatful cruelle,
Conspired also les\x for to sle, 201

Which remembryng, don of yore agoon,
Diffende thy servauntis from al ther mortal foon. 203

pater noster X Aue.

(30) _
/O Emp[e]resse in heuene glorified !

Myn herte is troubleyd thy sorwys to descryve,
The dool remembryd whan thu were purifyed ;
/ Symeon seide a sharp swerd shuld ryve

Thoruh thy soule, and perce thyn herte blyve, 208

183 T has Incipiunt quindecim lamentacioncs heate Marie. 0
wanting in J (space left for the letter never filled). 184 o] om. J.
Hianner of ins. B. 186 live (2)] \>y B. 187 the eiitent J T t.

of} \n B. 188 remembred B. tin- fioure in.t. T t. 1 89 Oii] of T t.
192 that thow ins. Tt. 194 tliere} the J B. /7] J Tt. 195

hissho]}] om. 3 . defoulya Tt (sjV). 198 </ic] ow(. T t. 199

herowileTt. heroldJ. vntretablee J. 202 Which^ ^\ i\h T X .

of] our Tt. 203 ther] om. T t. her B. 205 sorwys] heuynesse B.
207 sholde J. 208 perce] depart T t.

T 2

Till! sorrow

of enforced
man iage.

Tho sorrow

of un-

otiastitv

chargtd.

The iniscry
of the ni^lit
into Egypt.

The sorrow
from
Simeon's
IJropheey.

276

The Fifteen Joys and Sorrov.'s of Mary.

Tlie sorrow
of Christ
lost at

Jerusalem.

The sorrow
of being
called
" woman"
by Jesus.

The sorrow
of Christ's
taking.

For the trouble thu feltist of that language,
Preserve thy servauntis fro sorwe and al outrage. 210

2oater nnster X Aue.

. (31)
1 am afferyd and troublyd in my mynde [leaf 92]

To remembre the gret hevynesse,
"Which thu liaddyst whan Crist was lefCt behynde
In lerusaleem, and thu in gret distresse
Soutist hyra, the gospel berith witnesse, 215

Or thu hyni founde thre dayes in greet dreede,
Socoure alle tho that seeke the in ther neede. 217

yater noster ^- X Aue.

(32)
Arrete it not to noon vnkyndenesse,
At the feeste, the gospel telle can,
Of Archydeclyne, nor to no straungenesse,
That \€s\\ ther called the a woman,
The name of moodir lefft behynden than, 222

A gret mysterye that he so list the calle,
For which thyng haue mercy on vs alle. 224

■pater noster 4" X Aue.

(33)
Ofi' mortal pite myn herte waxith coold

1\) remembre, thynken or expresse
The sorwe thu haddist, whan Seyn lohn hath the toold,
lesu was taken, by the gret felnesse
Of the lewys hatful cursydnesse ; 229

And as that takyng was to the gret greeff,
Keleeve'alle tho that calle to the in myscheef. 231

pater noster ^' X Aue.

(34)
Off hevynessys Oon the moost grevous
Is of Absence the Importable peyne ;

210 outrage^ langagc Tt {rf. 1. 209). 211 my] om. T t. 212
the] tliyTt. 216 days J. 218 Directe J. vnkyndnes J.

21% the] om. :i . tell J. 220 Archytriclvne T t J E. 221 ther]
Ije J {sic). 222 behynde J T t. 223 >e list so J. 225 Off
all ins. J. weryd T t. 226 Thynke T t. 227 hath] om.

BT t. 230 that] om. T {but in t). 231 to] om. B JTt. 232
lieiiynes JTt.

The Fifteen Jo)/s and Sorrows of Mary. 277

That feltist tliu weel, 0 pryncesse gracious ! The sorrow

opace of a nyglit thu inyhtist not atteyue, tion.

To seen thy sone, lord moost sovereyne, 23G

Kept by his enmyes in pur])oos hym to sle ;
For wlios passiou/i on synners liaue pite. 2.38

pater no^ter ^* X Aue.

(35)
1 ffeele niyn herte conipleyne pitously [ieafP2. back] The sorrow

To nonnibre the peynes thu Inuldyst eek, parJe,
Wlian lesu bare liis cros to Caluary, of missing

Clirist oil

And tliu to meete hym ran thoruh the Cite, tiis way i..

T> e ■ 1 1 • -1 Calvarv.

Jiorn of Avith prees, thu niyghtist hym not see, 2 -13

Whan thu hym mettist, he fel doun for fEeyntise,
Pray for alle tho that doon to tlie servise. 245

(36)
Vv ith newe langour, pryncesse, tliu were assayled, The sorrow

Quakyng and pale alias ! whan thu dist see
Of blissyd lesu feet and handys nailled,

Moost horribly strevned with crueltee "^the

•^ '' cruciflxion.

For niannys rawnsou?* upon the roode tree ; 250

Lowe by the ground, dedly of look and face,
Pray hym do mercy ech day whan we trespace. 252

jyater noster X Aue.

(37)
And for the sorwe thu haddist, whan thu stood The sorrow

On Caluarye upon his riht[e] syde,
And seye hym reryd high upon the rood,

The sweemful voys thu niyghtist nat abyde,

"Whan he the callyd in the same tyde, — 257 of hearing

Jesus' worils

" Woman, ageyn ; " behold thy sone and see, on the Cross.

For which constreynt sauf alle that truste in the. 259

pnter noster X Aue. ^

234 thow feldvst T. 235 «] on J. mvght J. 236 seen'] sewe
Tt. Iord]om.H. most lord J. 237 Ais] tliy Tt. 2Z9, syanrrs]
owve synnes Tt. 240 tlie peyn-es] om. J. 242 thorow Tt.

through J. 243 mvght J. 2U he] om. BT t. fellest Tt.

245 rfoo?i /o ;:/(«] delyte to thy Tt. 246 assoiled B. 247 Akvng
Tt. «/uf]alITt. didestBJTt. 248 hande T. and]om.t. 250
rood t. 252 f^] of J. iche J. 254 o/i] at Tt. 255syTt.
sawe J. 256 swymful J. swemeful Tt. 257 <//</<;] tyme T t.

278

The Fifteen Joys and Soorous of Mary.

The sorrow

of His death.

The Descent
from the
Cross.

The partinfc
at the tomb.

(38)
O liowe that hour thyn lievyness was moost,

When blissid le^u -with a pilous cry
Ynto his ladir by deeth yald vp the goost,
Wliich whan thu herdist stondyng fast by,
Thu fel a swowTie, no wondir trewly ! 264

Now pray thy sone that deyde upon the roode,
Haue mercy on alle, for whom he shed his bloode. 266

pater noster X Aue.

AV . *''>

VV as evir woo that myhte be comparyd (leaf 03]

To thy distresse, pryncesse of goodliheede,
Whan thu sauh \es\x liow he was nat sparyd,
Crucified, take down whan he was deede,
Lay in thy lappe, and al his body reede 271

Of pitous bledyng, for wlioos meek suffraunce,
0 queen of mercy ! sauf us fro myschaunce. 273

pater noster X Aue.

(40)
\V han he was put and leyd lowe in his grave,

Thy blissid sone \esyx, moost niyhty kyng.
And al was do mankynde for to save
Thu sauli al this upon hym abyding,
Kistist ofte his stoon at thy partyng ; 278

Haue on us mercy O blissid heuene queene,
For the pcyne tliu dist that day susteene. 280

Tliese
sorrows are
here set,

pater noster X Aue.,

(41)

JL lies heuynessis reknyd Oon by oon.
In ordre set, pitous and lamentable,
Who hatli konnyng to reknyn hem euerychoon %
For by comparisou?? they were inconqxirable
Gloryous lady, 0 queen moost merciable !

Thy peynes beer set, with manj- gret grevaunce,
Eeen for this cause })ut beer in remembraunce,

285

287

262 yeldyd T. yaldvil t. 264 fell in a sowne T t. 267 mvirlit
B J T t. 269 sawe J T t. 272 ?neeA-] mekyl J. moclie" T t.

273 saue J. 274 Than J. 276 doone T. mankynd J. 277
sawe T J. liydyng J. 278 Kissid of Jje stoone J. kyssyd of hys
toesTt. toon t. departyngTt. 280 dedyst T t B. did J. 282
pituous J. 283 them ieliou J. 287 /or] of J.

The Fifteen Joys and Sorrmvs of Mdrij.

279

21)9

301

(42)
()ir Imiuble enteiit tli;it we good liood may take

Duryng our liffi with gret devocioim-
Wliat Crist Ic*-u sullVyd for our sake,

Tiiy deere sone, detli, peyne, and passiouu.
And for we shuldo liaue Eek conipassioun,' 292

With the, pryncesse, tliat boughtist his deeth ful deere,
For that enteut tliey been rehersyd heere. 294

ILxplidt.
T.envoye.
(43)
J.0 alle that caste hem of devociou7i '^ [leaf 93, back]

To been dilligont, l)y daily attendaunce,
To serve Mary, pryncesse of nioost renou«.
And to his hihnesse for to do plesaunce,
Lat hem empreente in her remembraunce
The ordre heer set, ffirst of liir ghidnessys,
And folwyng afl'tir hir gret heuyuessys.

(44)
\\ hich reniembryd, as toold is the maneer,

In hir worship by humble affeccioun,
Of the heuenly pryncesse, to seyn an hool sawteer,
Lyk as to-forn is niaad heer mencioz/n,
Therwitli couceyvyng this compilaciou?i, 306

Thouh that it halte in meetre and elloquence,
It is heer write hir for to do reverence. 308

(45)

Ooo litil tretys ! and meekly me excuse.

To alle tho that shal the seen or reede ;

GifF any man thy rudenesse list accuse

Make no dillence, but with lowlyheede

Pray hym refournie, wher as he seeth neede; 313

To that entent I do tlie forth directe

Wher thu faylest, that men shal the correcte. 315

Explicit quod Lidgate.

289 ifi<A] we B. 290 Icfu Crist Tt. 291SonnysJ. 293
bought J. i:.'7;?icz'0 om. B J T t. 29,t J)em J. 298 /or] o»i.

J T t. 299 |)ane J. theym T t. 300 Gladnes J T t. 301

heuvnes J T t. 303 hir^ fer B. 304 an] \>q J. 305 to fore J.
307 halte] shalt J. 308 wretyu T t. for] om. J. 310 or] and J.
311 iiianer man ins. J. 313 Prayeth Tt. 3U / do the] dothe J.
Colophon] om. J. Expliciunt riuindecim lamentaciones beate Marie
Virginis T (t adds in Stow's hand) John lydgate.

Tliat wo
may know
Clirist'N
siiHierings.

Let all serve
Mary,

as is told
h(>re,

to do lier
reverence.

280

Ave Maria !

52. AVE MAEIA!

Hail, glori-
ous lady !

help us to

worship

thee.

Blessed be
he tliat
called thee
Mary.

[leaf 274]

[MS. Trin. Coll. Camb. K. 3. 21, leaves 274-275.]

Hie sequit««- Salutacio Angelica p^ /• dictum dompnu?;i
16h.an7i%xa. Lydegate translata.

(1)

Hayle ! glorious lady and heuenly quene,

Crownyd & regnyng in fy blysfuH cage,
Helpe vs pylgryms in erthely tene,
In worshyp of aH \y pylgremage ;
Tliy holy concepcion was thy furst pylgremage

Cuius honore tu nobis faue,
And here we knelyng before tbyne Image

Tibi concepte dicimns Aue.

(2)
Hayle ! glemeryng sterre now in ))y byrthe,
To aH ])is world thow spredyst \y lyght,
Thy ioyfuH name yeueth vs myrthe.
Now blessyd be he fat Mary jie hyght,
For thorow aH fe worlde })ow yeuest py lyght,

0 maris stella domina jna.
With aH oure hert and aH oure might

Tibi damamns Aue Maria. 16

8

12

(3)

Thy sweet Hayle ! gloryous lady, as GabrieH seydc [leaf 2V4, bark]

marriage

when When he came doune on liys message,

greeted thee. God was made man, hys modyr a mayde,
Lo, lady thys was thy swete mariage ;
So fuH of grace vnbynde oure bondage,

Mater diuina virgo serena,
And thus shaH Ave sey for oure homage
Aue Maria gracia plena.

Hayle ! ioyfuH lady in the byrthe of Cryste,
God is wzt7i the, kyng in thy lappe,

With ox and asse in a crybbe Jiou lyest,
With loseph, and lesw. sokyng thy pappe,

20

24

28

Are Maria !

281

WeH ys jjc, lady, ))({t dydyst liyiii w rai)]io,
Ip)<um exora que manes ^WM//t

Tliat lie wold yeue oure enemy a k nappe,
(jran'a plena dotniuim tecum.

32

Thdiiholdest
God in t)iy
lap,

Hayle ! Houre of clennes w^t7^out corrupcion,

Thow beryst )'e frute of aH cliastite,
And yet ])ow madyst J)y purificacioii.
To puryfy oure sowles for ])y charyte.
llaue mynde, good lady of oure freelte,

Et vita nod ra plena reatu,
Now pray py son of hys benignite,
Doimnxis tecum henedicta tu.

36

40

Flower of
Purity.

(6)

^ayle ! wofaH lady in hys swete passion, [leaf 275]

Scorgyd and naylyd, dying on the roode,
Sende vs thy comiovt in oure tribulacion,
For fy sonnys loue fat shed hys bloode ;
But ioyfutt gladnes dyd change Jjy moode,

Cum surrexit sanis vulnerihns,
And euer in pe ieyp, fuH tiew \>on stoode,
Benedicta tu in inulier[_i^bns.

(')
Hayle ! blessyd lady in Cryste*' assensioura.

Bothe glad and heuy when he dyd sty,
^lake in )?y prayers for vs som nieucion,
That we may folow when we shaH dy.
Aftyr py socoure we caH and cry

Vt mereamwv luce f mi,
That we may deserue J>e blessyd lyglit to sty,
Et henedictus fructus centris tui.

(8)
Hayle ! blessyd lady in thyn assu???pcion,

Next to ])Q Trinitie syttyng in trone,
And holde excusyd our gret p/-esu>/?pcion

To whom we make oure carefutt mone,

44

Thy sorrows
changed to
joy.

48

Make some
mention for
52 US in thy
prayers.

56

Excuse our
presumi)-
60 lion.

282

To Mary, the Star of Jacob.

Farewell,
lady, and
pray for us.

Oure liertys ar dry & hard as a stone,
Funde lacrimanxm. nobis co?2soJamen,

And he be oure comfort hens when we cone.
Frudus ventris tui lesxis Christus. Amen.

(9)

64

Xow fareweli, lady, and pray for vs, [leaf 276, backj

For thy fyue festes and \y ioyes fyue,

That J)y son swete, oure lord lesus,

WyH sane vs aH, bothe dede & alyue, G8

For thyse fyue ioyes on the woH we clyue,

And aboue all angeles now ioyes hast })0U seuyn,

Helpe vs fay re lady, J)ys lyfe whyle we dryue,

And after our endyng God send vs heuyn. 72

Amen.
ExjMcit.

o star of
Ja ob,

let thy
streams of
grace shine
on me
and save me.

Flower of all
flowers,

53. TO MARY, THE STAR OF J AGO 15.

[MS. Bodl. Laud Misc. 683, leaves 29, back, to 30, back]

Here is a praier to our lady of hir v loies.

(1)
0 sterre of lacob, and glorye of Israeli ! [leaf 29, back]

Of alle blissed, O blyssedest vyrgyne !

For tliylke tydyng wich that Gabrieell

Brouhte on-to the most hevenly and devyne,

So let ]?i stremys of grace vjwn me schyne, 5

And of thyn Eyen the mercyable lyght

From al niyscheff to saue me this nyght. 7

(2)
0 fayrest doubter of lerusaleem !

Flour of alle fflours, — 0 fflour of chastyte !
For thylke loie thou haddj'st in Eedleem,

MSS. Laud 683, leaves 29, back, to 30, back = L ; B.M. Harley
372, leaf 70 = H ; Tiin. Coll. Camb. R. 3. 21, leaf 173, back = T ;
Sid. Sussex Coll. Carab. 37 — a book of hours — leaves 145, back, to
147 = S. At the end of each stanza, S inserts on the margin Ave
maria. Title. Et incipiunt alia quinque gaudia (beate ilarie
Virginis) T] om. H S. 1 omq on. H S T. 3 that T. tidyngs H.
5 leth S. >n the H. 6 thyn] the H. 10 that T.

7'() M^arji, Die Star of Jacob.

2S:i

Of blyssed lesu in the XatyvyU-,
Visited afrter of worthy kyngys thro,

On wich gladnesse devoutly remeiubryng,
Suue me thys nyght, slepyng and wakyng.

(3)

12
14

And (for that loie, of souereyn dignyte,

Wicli folwyd affter tliy sonys passiouii,
"Wh.an, thoru'li \\U rovall devvne macroste,

Callid be proplietys of luda tlie lyoun, iieafsn]

Wich made ffro deth liis Itesiireccyoun ; 19

For the gret gladnesse thou haddist on jje morwe,
Kepe rae thys nyght from al myschef and sorwe. 21

(4)
And for the loie thou haddist weel more,

A loie precellyng In Comparysoun,
Whan he of mercy mankynde to restore,
Toward that lievenly sterrid niansioun,
Made in our nianhed hys ascencyoun, 26

For wich. loie o pryncesse, I tlie preye,
Kepe me this nyght that no fend me werreie.

28

fiir tliy joy
at tlie l)irtli
of Cliri.st
save me thi-s
night.

Keep ine,
for tliy joy
at the resur-
rection.

For thy joy

(5)
And for that loie, surmou?ityng loies alle,

Wich thou haddyst in thyn assumpcioun,

Whan thou were crowned in pat hevenly stalle,

Queen of alle quenys, most Souereyn of renoura,

Ifeceyve thy servauret under proteccyoun, 33

This nyht and euer, pavys of my dyffence !

Wich llleeth for socour to thi magnyficence. 35

(6)
And to remembre thy famous loies fy ve,

To myn avayll and my gret [ajvauntage,
Vnder thy support, while I am a-lyve,

11 Of] 0 T. the] thi HT. 12 of] qm. S. woildely H.

13 0 wiche S. 17 royall] om. H. 20 gladnesse] loye H

(inserted). 21 thys nyht] euer H. al] om. H. 22 iceel more]

euermore S H T. 24 he] ]n sou H. to S H T. dide L. 25

Toward] HST. To wayte sic L. the H. hevenly] om.. S.
sterry T. 27gladue3TH. 2% this nyght] qmqx B.. betraje S.
wary T. verray H, 30 Wicli tliat ins. S. 33 Keseeue me ins. S.
34 day H. 36 for to ins. S. 37 my] om. S. auantage S T H.

in His
ascen.sion
keep me
from tlie
Fiend.

For thine
assuiiii)tiou

receive thy
servant.

284

Each night
I will kneel
before thee.

To Mary, the Queen of Heaven.

I shal ech iiyht Avith humble and meek vsage,
Knele before the by maner of homage, [leaf 30, back] 40
Thy loies remembryng, & afi'ter suerly slepe,
From alle assautys while thou list me kepe. 42

(7)

Most hooly pryncesse, gracious & benyngne,

And of mercy most plentivous & Imbounde,
Set thy fyve loies for a special sygne,

Affore my?i herte, tabide there and rebounde,
In euery myscheef that it may be ffounde, — 47

While I \\ servaunt haue hem in reme??ibrauiice, — ■
Agayn goostly enmys to stonde in assuraunce, 49

Explicit.

Queen of
heaven,

54. TO MARY, THE QUEEX OF HEAVEN.
[MS. Bodley Tanner 110, leaf 244, B version.]

(1)

Queen of heuene, of helle eeke emperesse,
Lady of this world, 0 verray loodsterre !

To maryners geyn al mortal distresse
In ther passage that they nat ne erre.

39 eche day H. tcith-vsage'] om. H (space), vysage T S. 40
Knelynge S. maner of homage'] om. H (space). 41 sure I wake or
H. 4j! >at |)o« S. 43 gracious} most holy Yi. . A'^ plentivous]
gracious H. gloryous T. liabundant S. 46 to bide H. to abyde
S T. there] om. S. 48 haue] om. S. 49 Agayne all ins. S.

MSS. Bodley Tanner 110, leaves 240, 244, 2 versions, R version
= B ; A yersion = A ; Bodley Laud 683, leaves 17 to 18, back = L ;
Hatton 73, leaves 1 to 2, back = H ; Kawl. C. 48, leaves 80 to 81,
back = R ; Univ. Lib. Camb. Kk. 7. 6, leaves 199 to 200, back = K.;
Lambeth 344, leaves 11 to 12, back = Lb ; Jesus Coll. Camb. 56,
leaves 71, back, to 72, back = J ; Trin. Coll. Camb. R. 3. 21, leaves
167, back, to 168, back =T; Harley 2255, leaves 111, back, to 113 = h.
Heading: IncipitdesanctamariaJ . . . Andbegyneth anholy preyer
to onre moste blesset lady seynt Marl of here .v. loyes . '. lydgate K.
Here begynneth a prayer on to our lady L. 10 queen ins. J h

{in J space left for 0 not filled), and of helle (eeke om.) HLb.
2 0] om. H Lb. loodesterre L J H. 3 ageyn Lb. 4 nat ne]

no L not H Lb.

To Mary, the Queen of Heaven.

285

Tliy look of mercy cast iloiui from so ferrc,
On all thy seruautes by cliast compassiou/r,

Grauiite hem good pes, sane hem fro mortal werre,
To thy .V. joyes that haue ileuociou7i.

cast down
thy niftn-y,
(III all tl:.'it
rfiiieinbiT
thy tlvi;
juy.s.

(2)
Celestial cipresse set vpou Syon,

Hiest Cidre of pe?-fit holynesse,
Charboncle of charite and grene emerawd ston,

IIool & vubroken by virgynal cleunesse,

0 Saphir loup al swellyng to represse,
Off cankred sores & veuymous feloun,'

In gostly w'ouiides be ther gouerueresse
To thy .V. loies fat haue deuocioun.

12

Celestial
Cypress,

sapphire,
healing all
sores,

16

(3)
Yerde of Aaron, gracious and benigne,

Welle of all grace and merciful pite,
Wher the Hooly Gost list to close and signe,

The cristal cloistre of thy virginyte, 20

liawme of Engaddy geyn al Infirmite,
Of folk ]^at languissh in tribulacioure,^"

Preserue and keep from al aduersitee
To thy .V. loies \at haue deuociouw. 24

(•i)
Glad Aurora, kalendis of cleer day,

Of Phebus vprist, massageer most enteer,
Rose of Iherico, groweth noon so fressh in May,

Gracious Lucifer, dirk morwenynges for to cleer, 28

And siluer deuh, which that did Appeer
Vpon the flees shynyng of Gedeou7i,^

Shew vpon all thy liht, thyn lieuenly cheer,
To thy .V. loies \ai haue deuocioun. .^ 32

Balm of
Engedi,

Glad Aurora,

5 fro K. 6alleh. 7 I'am J. peesLKli. pesse T. mortal]
om. Lb. 12 by] thy H Lb. loupe J li L etc. 15 gouernesse
]. LbH. gouf^rners .J. IS «//] om. Lb. 19 syngne K. shygne L.
synge Lb. 20 In the ins. L. 23 kepe hem vis. LbK. |)am J.
tbeywi T. 25 of l)e ins. J R L. 26 niessanger L. messageie J K.
messangyer Lb. vprist and ins. H Lb. 29 deugh J. 30 of]
vpon J. 31 heueni J sic.

28G

To Mary, the Queen of Heaven.

Aspiiath of
Egyi>t,
peerless in
beauty.

(5)
0 bussh vnbrent, shewed to Moyses,

Iiiditli the secou?Kle, fiat saued i\\ Israel,
Assenek off Egipt, of beute pereles,

Souereyn Sara of refut cheeff Eachel,

For our Sauaciouw sahied bi Gabriel,
Reclinatorj'e throne of kyng Salamouw, ^

Fro thy sernauntes al mescheeff do repelle,
To thy .V. loies that hane deuocioun.

36

40

Tliou art
the woii.aii

shown to
St. John,
clad in a
Sun.

(6)
Of al dirknesse thou dist awey the clips, [leaf 244, back]

This "wrechchede world tenlumyne with gladnesse,
SheAved to Seyn lohu in thapocalips,

Clad in a Sonne surmouwtyng of brihtnesse, 44

Crownyd witli sterrys of excellent cleernesse,
The stremys strechchyng to the heuenly mansioun,^'

Thy grace, thy pite, to alle tho folkes dresse,
To thy .V. loies J)at haue deuocioun. ^ 48

(7)
Paittiofour Palme of our conquest, grene olvue of our pes,

conquest, 1 ' o „ t j

Of hope our Anker, at the hauene of lyff taryue,
Of feith our sheld, pauys of oixr encres,

i^o clerk hath konnyng thy bou»tes to descryue ; 52

Thy Sonys passion??, knet with hys wou?zdes fyue,
Of moodirly pite by mediaciouw, ,^^

Help and supporte hem geyn Sathan for to stryue.
To thy .V, loies that haue deuocioura. --" 56

help us to
strive
against
Satan.

Go, little
poem,

(8)
lenuoye.

Go, litel bille, pray to this pur virgins,
On vs to caste hir confortable siht,

35 peerless L. 37 saluted H. 38 reclinatoye L. 39 ffor K.
du] de R. 41 «Z] om. K. dide.<;t H Lb. doost h. dust J. dist
■in B erased, tlieclips L. thyclips R. 42 word R. lyght with
Lb. 43 the Apocalips L K. 46 strecchid J. vp to ins. L.
50 hevene L. to arryue J. 51 o/(l)] Oure J. 53 knytte Lb.
55 geyn Sathan for] ageyn the fend H Lb. Heading lenuoye'] om.
H Lb. 57 pur] om. J.

To Mary, the Qnccn of Heaven.

287

Oiiys a day mir dulnesse teiilumiiio,

Oil soule and spirit to make vs glad Sc lilit,
Withoute slouthe, as we be Louiido of rilit,

Al tlie wliile fat we ben liere alyue,

At morowe, at niydday, at eue toward iiyht,

Ever to renieinbro vpon liir loies fyue.

I>ray lier
to make us
60 gla.l.

64

('•0

In hir stant lioolly our grace and our courefort,
Our hope, our heltlie, o[u]r trust most pryucipal,

Of our welfare the ryvall and the port,

Geyn feendes power our oastel and our wal, 68

In worldly trouble and daungers infernal,

Geyn al the malys that feendes kan contryue
Shall vs diftende with hir mylk virgynal,

Whan we remembre vpon hir loies fyve. 72

In her is al)
our hope.

(10)
Callyng to mynde hir salutacioun,

Cristis birthe, and hys natyuyte,
Hys meeke sufTraunce, hys resurrecciou«.

And hys ascenciou?j vp to the heuenly Se,

With hir Assumpcioun, grettest solemnyte
Of al hir festys. as clerkes A'an descryue,

Our Salue, our socour, geyn al ad?^e/-site,
When Ave remembre vpon hir loies fyue.

^ Her five joys
/ 6 shall save

80

us.

(11)

Lat nat tliis mateer appallen in your tliouht,
In eclie temptacionn to remembre blyue
On Cristys passyou/i, and on hir loyes fyve,

To make yow strong, bewar, forget hem nouht.

84

59 to illuniyne H Lb. 62 be J. on lyne J. 63 At (1)]

Late Lb. 6-4 Ever] Were K. on J. 65 hooUy] Oonly h J.

our (2)] om. h. 66 our (3)] or A. all others our. 68 Ageyn the
fendes ins. H Lb. our (2)] om. h. 72 on J. Rubric:

Here be the v. loies of our lady folwyng L. 73 Callid J. 75

and liis ins L. 77 greste K. hir] om. J. 80 hir] these h LK.
1 lie J. 80 Rubric : Verba compilatoris L. 81 appall J Lb.

82, 84, transposed in J and Lb, in H transposed but corrected by
scribe's marking opposite lines 84, 83, ft, a. Colophon : explicit
quo]) lidgate h. Quod dan lohn lydgate K. explicit L.

288 Gaude Virgo Mater Christi.

55. GAUDE VIEGO MATER CHRISTI.

[MS. Trin. Coll. Cam. R. 3. 20, leaves 53 to 55.]

Beholdepe nowe Slowing next here fe translacyoune
of Gmide virgo mater Christi made by Daun lohan )>q
Muwke Lydegate by night as he lay in his bedde at
London.

(1)
^ Gaude virgo mater christi.

Rejoice, Be gladde, mayde, moder of Cryst Ihesu, [i«af53]

Whiclie conceyvedist oonly by liering,
Whane Jjeoholy Gocste, moost souereyn of vertu,

Entred Jjy brest frome lievon descending,
that Gabriel An Gabrvel brouglit tee beo tydvng, 5

greeted " o j j ./ ., o

thee; For pilk loye, and for Jjiike gret gladdenesse,

Haue on vs mercy, and stynt our hevynesse. 7

(2)
U Gaude quia deo plena.

Fulfilled of God, be gladde, 0 mayden free ! [leaf .54]

tiiat thon Whiclie has chylded Avith-outen soore or peyne,

didst bear -yr- t- t ■, 1- 1

Jesus; vV itR \q lylye of mooste pure chastytee

Of all mankynde |je trouble to restreyne ;
Nowe, blessed lady, of pytee not disdeyne, 12

To save ])y servauntes for j^is gret gladnesse,
Oonly of mercy, and stynt hir hevynesse. 14

(3)
U Gaude quia tui nati.

Reioysse also, moder and pure virgyne,

Desconsolate in Crystis passyoun,

that saw His Think agaynwarde by loye dyde shyne

resurrec- 1 i • •

tion, At his vprist and resurecc?on,

Nowe for })at loye and consolacyon 19

Jjou haddest J)anne, and for ))at gret gladdnesse,
Haue on vs mercy and stynt oure hevynesse. 21

MS. Tiin. Coll. Cam. E. 3. 20, leaves 53 to 55 = T ; B.M.
Harley 2251, leaf 235 and back = H. 1 Cryst] om. H. 3 the
holigliost H. 17 loyes H.

id fit lUOtu
jiriiprio et
diuiuo.

Gaudc Virgo Mater Christi.

H GauJe Cristo ascondente.
Be gladde also of his ascencyoun,

To ))y gret honnour to liaue ])er-of sigUt,
For of his iniglit and goodely mocyon

He styeghe ful hye aboue pe sterres hight,
Wlier loye is euer and eternal light, 2G

Kow for J)at loye \o\\ haddost and gladnesse
Haue on vs mercy, and stynt oure hovynesse. 28

(r>)
^. Gaude qne post ip^-uni scandis.
Be gladde also fat affter doost ascende
In-to ])at lieeghe hevenly niansyoun,
)3er hooly sayntes and Aungelles ay comende
J5y chaaste clennesse and fy parfeccion,
)3y famous honnour and ])y qweenly Renoun, 33

ITor }'ilk[e] loye and for ]>y gret gladnesse, [leaf 55]
Haue on vs mere}', and stynt oure hevynesse. 35

(6)
II Ybi friictus ventris tui.

Nowe blessed lady, 0 qweene most mercyable !

Which for J)y meryt bare fe fruyt of lyfF,

In ):'ilke loye make vs ))er partable,

Wliiche were alloone mayde, moder, and wyff ;

Be oure defence ageyne jjinfernal stryff 40

For alle fy loyes and ]>\ gret gladnesse,

Haue on vs mercy, and stynt oure hevynesse. 42

(")
Lenvoye.

Pryncesse of mercy, for ])y loyes fyve

Whane we part hens be oure protecc/ou?« ;

Fraunchyse oure waye lest ))e feondes wold stryve

To lett oure passage by fals collusyoun.

Conduyt vs vpe vn-to jjat Regyoun 47

"Where-with ]ry sone fou regnest in gladnesse

Oonly of mercy, and stynt oure hevynesse. 49

25 stigh H. 3S loye] om. H. 40 the Infernal H. 45 list H.
wold] om. H.

Note. — Shirley, the writer of 1 , frequently omits the proncunced
Jiiml e of ])ilke : cf. line 6, and elsewhere. In line 6, for should be
omitted.

LYDGATE, M. P. U

289

aii<l 1 1 is
ascension ;

that art now
in lieavtn.

For all thy
Joys,

} ave on us
inercy.

Princess of
mercy,

conduct us
to thy Son.

290

The Image of Our Lady.

56. THE IMAGE OF OUR LADY.

Behold Our
Lady,

painted like
St. Luke's
picture of
her in Ron.e,

at St. Maria
de Populo.

Five hun-
dred years
of pardon
granted to
visitors of
this picture
for worship,

at the As-
sumption
and other
feasts.

[MS. B.M. Adds. 29729, leaves 9, back, to 10.]

A balad made by lohn Lydgat of ye ymage of
Our Lady.

(1)

Beholde and se this glorious fygure,

Whiclie Sent Luke of our lady lyvynge
After her lyknes made in picture,

Lo here she is affter the same Avyrkynge

As in Rome is liad of Saynt Lukes payntynge,
In erthe as she was and her sone also,

And ther lionoryd Avith solempne praysynge
In churche callyd j\Iaria de Populo.

(2)

Who devotly visitith the same fygure

In worshipe of oure moste blessyd lady free,
Of .V. cardinals, perpetuelly to endure

V C yeres of Remyssyon graunted be,

Of penaunce Ingoynyd, yf he have capacite
Pardon to receyve, contrite wiili confession.

With satysfacion, this is the certente.
As under sealys the bulle make niencion.

(3)
At certayn festis in the same buke. comprisyd, —

Firste of our lady the Assumpcion ;
Annu?icion also it is ther-in devisyd ;

Of sent Albon the passyon, and his invencion.

Of this churche also the dedycacion
At every feste "vvho visytythe this fygure here.

Of penaunce Ingoyned hath Relaxacion
Of everi Cardinall grauntyd a C yere.

bomber of ye yeres, who lyst to accompte,
That be grauntyd v tymes in the yere.

To M and vC. therto they amounte,
To eche creature with devoute prayer

8

12

16

20

24

(leaf lOJ

28

Ave Rcgina Cclorum.

291

That lielpe tliis place, with some thyngc particular,
As boke, belle, chalis, w any other guenloun,

Ornament or lyght in devout manere,
They be copertenars of this same pardoun, 3J

(5)
Whiche at the coste and contemplacion

Of a gentylman callyd Kauf Gelebronde,
Throughe the labour ami meditacion

Of damp«u»i lohn Thornton, ye shall understontlf, 3G

Archdecon here, whiche out of Englonde
Went to Rome and this pardon did jmrchase ;

Christe ble.*se them both with his holy honde,
And for theyr labor, take them to his grace. 40

Explicit a balad of ye Image of our lady made by
lohn Lidgate.

BiMiefactors
of this
clmrcli are
niveii liOO .
years.

R.ill.h Ciele-
lironde. at
Arclideacon
.John

Thornton's
renuest,
has set this
up.

57. AYE REGINA CELORUM.

[MS. Trin. Coll. Cam. R. 3. 21, leaves 162 and back.]

(1)
Hayle luminary & benigne lanterne, [leaf i62i

Of lerusale//^ the holy ordres nyne,
As quene of quenes laudacion eterne

They yeue to thee, 0 excellente virgyne ! 4

Eclypsj'd I am, for to dete/'myne
Thy superexcelleuce of Cantica canticorum.

The aureat beames do nat in me shyne,
Aue regina celoru?/i ! 8

(2)
Ilayle ! verray Mater misericorde,

And peereles Pryucesse of excellence,
Of aungelles aloft i)ray Sol iusticie.

Thy swete son of most magnificence, 12

That no pervious plage of pestilence,
Syth thow art laus ApostolorM?>i,

Entyr in Englond, thy dower with reuerence,
Aue regina celoru??i ! 16

Collated icith Barley, 2251, leaves 34, back, to 35.
5 Ay clypsed. 6 Canticis.

U 2

Hail, benign
lantern,

mother of
mercy,

preserve us
from pesti-
lence.

292

Ave Regina Cclorum.

Holy
maiden,

ttiat fostered
Tetragra-
maton ;

mirror of
meekness,

conduit of
comfort,

pray Jesus
for us.

(3)
Hayle ! holy maydyn, modyr and wyfe,

That brought IsraeH out of captyuyte,
As sterre of lacob by a p9-erogatyfe

With the blessyd bawme of thy virginite,

The holyest roote that sprang out of lesse,
Prymrose of plesaunce, callyd flos Roruni,

Thou were tryacle ageyn olde aiitiquite,
Aue regina celoru?» !

(4)
Hayle ! gloryous lady, 0. Rosa marina,

Wliyche hast fostryd lying in thy lappc
Tetragramaton, that fed vs with Manna,

Of leuiathan mawgre the sleyghty trappe,

To thys worlde a lyghte sprong ys ivom thy lappe,
With virginaH mylke vt castitas liliu?u,

So lyst the Holygost in the hys wynges wrappe,

20

24

28

Aue recjina celorum !

32

(5)

Hayle ! fayrest and fresshe of consolacion,
Vs to conduct by the pathe of paradyse,

Aboue aii women, without comparyson,
Of bewte be thow, blessyd floure delise,
A dew diamant, most precyous of pryse,

As Gabryeli seyd 'Do7niniis tecum,

0 niyrro^tr of mekenes most prudent & wyse

36

Aue regina celorum !

40

(6)

Hayle ! condute of comfort, with watyr crystaH, [if. ig'2, bk.i

Perpetually our peynes to wasslie & repeH,
Geyue sorow of sekenes, o sugor celestiaH,

Pese, victory, & grace graunt with vs to dweH, 44

Pray gentyH le.s^u, of me?-cy the welle,
To blysse aboue that we may aU come.

Where more ioy ys then tung may telle

Aue recrina celorum !

48

26 forstred liggyng. 28 .sleighti. 36 ofdelyse. 46 al way.
In T each stanza is enclosed iyi a bracket and the refrain written
beside it; in H it is written as above.

JRcffina Cell Lctarc.

293

58. KEG IN A CELI LET ARE.

12

[MS. Trill. Coll. Canib. R. 3. 21, leaves 162, back, to 1G3.]

(1)
0 thow ioyt'uH lyglit ! eternaH ye sliyne, iieaf ic2, back]

In glory wiili Laureat coroiiatt,
DesceiulyJ from Dauid, wortliyest on lyne,

Modyr to your soueraynes, & Lord imperyaH ;

Elect to grace from synne oryginaH,
Floure of clennes and pure virginite !

Sith ye be niayde and moder in speciaH,
Eegina celi, letare !

(2)
Remembre Lady, how synne was cause

Of youre preferryng to hygli worthynes,
Howe ye exclude by text outlier clause

They that causyd you aH thys worthynes,

Thynke, nature in yow dyd aH hys besynes •
Of aH faire to set yow the soueraynte ;

Yet for vs dyed the son of ryghtwsnes,
Et tu meruisti ipsMm portare.

(3)
O felix culpa ! thus may we syng,

lleioysyng in yo«/' ladyes liigh honowr,
So many a thousand to haue vndyr yowr wyng

Thorough the byrthe of that blessed creatowr

That lyst to dy, that were dettowr.
So veriey God & man with good chore,

Thy blessyd son thyn owne fygure,
Resurrexit sicut dixit.

0 filia Pharaonis ! whom oure lady kept,

Prese?"uyd Moyses in hys cage.
And ludyth 'pat sauyd that fayre cyte,

Fyguretli Crystes modyr and Image

MSS. Trill. Coll. Canib. leaves 162, back, to 163 = T ; B.M.
Harley, 2251, leaf 35, back, to 36 = H. 13 besy cure H. 14

22 chere with H.

16

20

24

28

(ilect to
grace.

8 rejoice !

Reiiiember
how our sin
got you your
high place.

O happy
sin !

Daughter of
Pharaoh,

and our
Judith,

foure H.
23 thy H.

19 may H. 20 creature H.

294

Stella Cell Uxtirpauit (I).

our queen
of glory,

who has
banished
our sorrow.

Oure verray resorte, when lost was cure lieiytage,
When we shuld apere before the dome,

Before thy dredefuH sonnys vysage,
Ora pro nobis tunc apud deu;«. 32

(5)
0 blysfuH qnene of eternaH glory ! [leaf lea]

0 loy to euery wyght with felycite !
In whos laude and worthy memory

"We sey, lady y-blessed thow be ! 36

For thy pure and meke virginite
Of thy blessyd moder, maydyn INIaria,

Uanysshyd ys oure sorow and adue?'site,
Dicamus omnes AUeluya ! 40

Tliou who
didst suckle
Jesus,

put away
our pesti-
lence

59. STELLA CELI EXTIRPAUIT (I).

[MS. Harley 2255, leaves 103 and back.]

(1)
Thu heuenly queen, of grace our loodsterre !

With thy chast mylk plentevous of plesauiice
Gaff Icsn soukyn, puttist awey the Averre

Of pestilence, tappeesen^ our grevaunce ;

Our welle of mercy, our ioye, our suffisaunce,
Flour of virgynes, niooder of moost prys,

Eacedist vp al surfetis of myschaunce,
That our forn-ffadir plantyd in paradys.

Thu same sterre, of sterrys noon so brilit,
Celestial sterre of beute moost sovereyne

To the we pray, on vs cast domi thy sitit,
Oonly of mercy that thu nat disdeyne,

1 MS. tappensen.

8

12

32 apud] om. T. 36 y-] om. H. The T.atiii refrains in T occur
nt the side of a bracket enclosing the other seven lines of each
stunza.

MSg. Harley 2255, leaf 103 and bick = H. ; Jes. Coll. Camb. 56,
leaf 73 and back = J ; B.M. Adds. 34360, leaves 132, back, to
133 = A ; Harlev 2251, leaves 9, back, to 10 = h ; Trin. Coll. Camb.
R. 3. 21, leaves 168, back, to 169 = T. Title om. T. 1 loodestere
TAh. 2of]om.J. 3so\vkeTAh. i Of] 0 Ah. to apese T.
5 Oure] Pure A h. 6 virgyns A. 7 Reysedyst T. 8 in] to J.
vpp h. 9 Margin: Ipsa stella miserico7'f?i«,7rt dignet A h. Ipsa

Stella J. 9 of] written twice h. 11 siht] light A h.

Stella Cell E.vtirpauit.

295

Otf infect heyr the mystis to restreyne,
That be thy gracious nioost holsoiu iiiUuencc

We liaue no cause on liasty detli to pleyne,
Which sleetli the people by swerd of pestilence. 16

(3)
Our trust is fully, and our confidence,

Yndespeyred in our oppynyou;/,
Ageyn al wedrys of corrupt peslilence,

By thy Kequest and inediaciou?j, 20

And by thy Sonys gloryous passiouw,
And renienibraunce of thy loyes alle,

Geyn froward heyres causyng infecciouw
DifFende vs lady whan we to the calle. 24

For as riiebus enchaccth mystis blake,

Toward mydniorwe with his beeniys cleer,
And lAicifer biddith sloggv folk awake,

In thorient tirst, whan he dooth appeer, 28

Eiht so maistow in thy celestial speer,
/O sterre of sterrys, sterre of moost excellence,
/ Mayde and nioodir, by meene of thy prayeer,
y Sauf alle thy servauntis from strook of pestilence. 32

Restrain
iiif«!Cte<l air.

We Iruat
thee

against all
storms of
tlie i>Ia){ue.

Thou, like
the sun, can
chase away
hlaclv mists.

60. STELLA CELI EXTIRPAUIT (II).

[MS. Rawl. c. 48, leaves 133, back, to 134.]

(1)
^ 0 blissid queen, a-bove the sterrid heuene, Stella ceii.

Which of the see, art callid cheef lodsterre,
Thi dwellynge is a-bove the sterris sevene, [' leaf 133, back]

Where euer is loye, and pes wit&oute werre, 4

Cast down on vs, thi look that art so ferre
From aH myscheef, be thou oure cheef deffennce.

In oure moost trouble thi socoure latt be nerre
And be oure sheeld from strok of pestilence. 8

13 niyst A h. 20 meditaeioun A li. 23 .lyre A h. 24 lady}
alle A. <o] ^Tito A. Margin: Quo hclla Ah. 25 chasith A h.
27 slo.crgy folkis A )). 29 inayst thow T. 30 sterre (2)] om. T.
Explicif] om. A h T.

O star of
heaven,

lie our
shield.

296

A Prayer to Mary.

Thou'inay'st
bring life,
where Adam
brought
death.

Drive off
the infected
breezes.

Grant nie

long life,
wealth,

and eternal
bliss.

Sicut Adam
primo inter-
duxit mor-
tem Sic

vitam.

Il'sa Stella.
[1 leaf 1345

20

(2)
In paradys withe loye and al plesaiince

Adam was put, talyvid withouten eende,
Eut thoruli liis synne fil liym a grete inyschaunce

BrouBt in first dethe thorufi temptynge of y^ f eende, 12

But thou lady that art so good and keende
To tlie be pryes, with loye and reverence.

Thou brouhtist lyve, to me and all man-Icynde, jnteiduxlt"^
And puttist away eternal pestilence.

(3)
^ Tliou glorious sterre this world to enlumyne,

Thi name to preise I haue no suffisaunce,
On vs synneres thi mercy lat doun shyne,

Off infect heires oppresse al there vttraunce,

Vs to infect that tliei liaue no puissaunce ;
From theire batail be thou oure cheef deffennce,

That theire malis to vs do no grevaunce,
Oif infectynge or strok of pestilence.

Thou splendaunt sterre, of sterris moost souereyne, Conciusio
Graunt me thes thre, moost excellent princesse,

The first is this, I pray the nat disdeyne.

To haue lengthe of lif nat medlid with seekuesse.
Off wordly goodis graunt me also largesse,

Withouten striff, to Goddis reverence,

The thrid is that my soule, withouten distresse,

May come to the blisse Avhere drad is no pestilence.

Explicit, pe/' I. pyo. [sicJ]

24

28

32

61. A PEAYEE TO MAEY IN WHOM IS
AFFIAUNCE.

Sweetest
I'alm,

[MS. Kawl. c. 48, leaf 134.]

(1)
0 swettest bawme of grettest excellence, [iean34]

Lady of this world, of helle eeke emperesse,
To the kyng a-bove, mooder of reverence !

In the remaynynge, virgynaH clennesse,

On (Jw Image of Pity.

297

8

The Onlris Nyiie of Angellis with gladnesse,
As to there (nui'ii, to the doun dlicisaiuici',

Pray to tlii soiie for nie in gvete distresso
For in tliin hclpe is ul myn affiaunce.

(2)
Kiht as tlie synne of Eve is grete offense,

]>rouht to this worhl hotlie sorwe and wretchidnesse,
So liast thou lady of nianyfieence

Bronht vnto vs bothe loye an<l grete gladnesse.

Pray thi sono, tliat is the lord of hlisse
Off my trespas I may haue pardonaunce,

And graunt iny requeslis of his grete goodnesse,
For in thin helpe is att mine affiaunce.

{^)
l^^y requestis offrid viito tliy presence [leaf 134, back]

In noumbre be thre, nioost excellent princesse, —
Tliis first is this, nat pondrid myn offence,

To have leugthe of liffe nat medlid with seeknesse ; 20

Off wordly goodis graunt me also largesse,
AVithouten striff to Goddis moost pleasaunce ;

Tlie tlirid is that my soule may come to blisse,
Fur in thin helpe is aH myn affiaunce. 24

pray to thy
Sun for ine.

As Evo

brouglit
sorrow,

12 so thou joy.

16

Grant me
long life,
wealth,

and eternal
bliss.

G2. ON THE IMAGE OF PITY.

[MS. B.M. AJJs. 29729, leaves 129 back, to 130.]

(1)
0 wretclied synner ! what so ever thow be,

With hert enduiat liardar than J?e stone,
Turne bidder in hast, knelle doun, behold and se

The nioder of Cryst, whose hert was woo begon 4

To se her childe, whiche synne dide nevar non,
For thyn offence thus wounded & arayd ;

Kewe on that peyne, reniembringe here vpon,
Pray to that quene, that moder is, and mayd, 8

Collated with MS. Aslmiole, 59, leaves 68, back, to 69. liuhric.
Here folowe))c a devoute exortacon to moeve men devoutely to ))e
yiiiage of pyte by orisounes and pieyers A. 5 ichich synne dide]

with synue and. 6 1. om. A. 7 that] hir. 8 that (1)] Jjis.

O wretched,
hard-hearted
sinner,

behold this
image,

298

On the Image of Pity,

pray Mary,

run to a
priest,

confess,

and thou
Shalt be
saved.

(2)
AVith this conceyt, fat yf syne Lad not bene,

Caiisynge our fadar Adam his grevous fall,
Of heven had she not be crounyd quene,

l^e ther ataynyd astate emperiall; 12

Besechyng her prtt this niemoriall
Of very pitie wold meve hir for thy grace

To pray ]jat lord, Avhicli may pardon all,
To here her bone, & then yvith hasty pace 16

(3)
Eene to a prest whill this is in thi mynd,

Knelynge down lowly withe hert contryt,
Tell out bothe croppe & rote, leve nought behynd —

Thy synnes all, be they gret or lyte, 20

Wher they were blake, then shall they wexe whyt,
His bittar passion is thy wesshyng welle.

Continew in clennys, & then thow shalt be quyte.
And saffe fro fendes all that are in helle. 24

If thou be
tempted,

remember
tliis image.

(4)
Enprynt thes wordes myndly thy hert w^7//i^,

Thynk how thow sest Cryst bledyng on Jie tre,
And yf thow steryd or temptyd be to syne

It shall sone sese and pase a-way from the. 28

Eeraembre all so this dolorus pytie.
How ]>a'i this blyssid ladye thus doth enbrace

Her dere son ded, lygyng vpen her kne.
And, payne of dcth, thow shalt not fayll of grace. 32

Lerne well this lesson, it is bothe short and lyght,
For with this same the wekest creature

That ys on lyffe may putte ])e fend to flyght
And saffe hym-selffe in sole and body sure ;

36

P wUh this conceyt, ]>at\ {)at sheo >e whiehe. 12 astate] to state so.
15 pray] may. 16 then] >us. 17 thi] om. A. 18 lowly withe hert]
with hert lowly. \'doiUhothe]\\{m. <t'] with. 20 gret]

crop, lyte] eonde lyte. 21 they] fowe. 22 hittar] peyiiful.

23 shalt he] maist go. 24 are] beoii. 25-32 om. A. 34 trekest]
wickedest, creture.

Ave, Jesse Virgula ! 299

To sucho eiitent was onleynt purtreturo For this

purpose

And vniaces of dyverso resemblauncc, wire imaKos

That holsoiu storyes thus shewyd in fygur
May rest witli \vs wiih dewe remenibraunce. 40

liuis lid'';it. Aiin'ii.

iiiatle.

63. AYE, JESSE VIKGULA!

[MS. Harley 2251, leaf 30. back. 11. 1-56 : Harley 2255, leaves
140 to 141, back, II. 57-120.]

(1)
Haile blissed lady, the moder of Crist lesw ! [leaf so, back] Hail, blessed

L.ady'

Of i^ees and concorde, haile, fresshest ondyve !
Haile, hyest Cedre, s?<?-niountyng in vertn !

Haile! who hath konnyng thy beaute to discryve? 4

For there was neuer none so fayre onlyve.
Haile, bussh vnbrent, portula signata !

Haile, glorious maydf, with wluuu no fiend mayc strive,
Haile, flos campi, O ave Ie.sse virgula ! 8

(2)
Haile, holsom cypres, growyng in Syon !

Haile, fons signatus, most clere in cristallyne !
Haile, gold in Trone of prudent Salanion

Gostly closed, most lievenly in devyne ! 12

Haile, to-fore whose brest alle grace dide shyne,
From phebus paleys, bilded supra sidera ;

Haile, hevenly gardyn, welle in divyne,
Haile, flos campi, o Ave lesse virgula ! 1 6

(3)
Haile, chast lady of virginite !
^ Of the Holigost, haile, richest habitacle,

Aforne provided by the holy Trj-nite, Tabernacle

To be his triewe chosen tabernacle. 20 Trinity.

38 dyvers of. 39 thus] otn. A. 40 u-ifh] in niosle. Cohphon
om. A.

MS. Harley 2251, leaves 30, back, to 32. back = H ; Harlev 2255,
leaves 140 to 141, back = h ; Trin. Coll. Camb. R. 321, leaves 163 to
165 = T ; same JIS.. an identical copy, leaves 237 to 238, back. Xo
title in any MS. MS. h otnits lines 1 to 56. T underscorrs Latin
phrases. 10 signato T. 12 dyiiyne T (desyne ?). 15 diuine T.

300

Ave, Jesse Virgula !

Window of
Heaven.

Victorious
laurel,

Burning
ree.

Of al vertues, myrrowr and spectacle,
Brightest Aurora, cedrus exaltata,

To-fore wlios face al peple by myracle
Syng of hole hert, " 0 Aue lesse virgula ! "

Of [I]esse boone, haile, holsomest piscyne !

With gostly vertues clerer than cristall
Whiche wasshed away all venym serpentyne

Brought into paradice, whan Adam had a fall.

But for tliy vertues, and thy merites virginall,
We may the calle, turtur superata,

Sterre of the see, of hevene fenestrall,
Haile, flos campi, 0 Ave lesse virgula !

24

28

32

(5)

[leaf 31]

36

40

44

Haile, fressh[e] Eose, planted in lericho !

Swettest viola, tliat neue** shal fade,
Gloria lerusalem, of Bedlem light also,

In perile palme, \xiih fruyte of lyf I-lade ;

Victorious laurus, ful of braunchis glade.
With vncouth mysteries, aforn prefigurata,

Thy merciful mantel lete clotli al in the shade,
With haile flos campi, 0 Ave lesse virgula !

(6)
Haile, chosyn ysope of the valeys lowe !

Triewe example of humilite,
Aforne figured above the Reyne bowe,

Agenst the Indulgence of Iniquite,

Emerawdis grene, of perfite ohastite.
Of merciful myrre, arbor iuHammata,

Pray to tin sone, on vs he have pite,
With, haile, flos campi, O Ave lesse virgula !

(7)
Haile, of Aurora the gladde Iasp[y]s skye !

Oure gostly day-sterre, oure lanterne, oure light ;
Whiche broughtest kalendis, prophetis specifye,

Of Phebus vprist, after the derk[e] nyght,

22 Brytest T. 25 esse H. om. T {space left in MS.). 27 wassheth
T. 33 fresshe T. fressh H. lerico t. 35 and of iiis. T.

36 palme'] proclyne T. 42 ensample T. 43 Reyf^iie bowe T.

44 Agayn T. 46 0/] 0 T. 49 lasps sic H. lasperys T.

51 to specify T. 52 derker] T. derk H.

48

52

Ave, Jesse Viiyida !

301

are of thee.

Whan the Ilolygost in thy brest light,
BiUled of xij. stones, ciuitas niiirata,

"Wliiche in the Apocalyps be riMuembrid aright,
Ilaile tkts cainpi, O Ave lesse virgula ! 5G

• (8)
Heyl, vertuous laspe, luoost sleilfast, & o\w feith (loaf uoj ah precious

Tenchace away al Iiicantaciou»s ;
Celestial saphir, the lapidarye seith,

Cheef reniodye goyii al teiiiptaeiou^s ; 60

The grene smaragd geyu fals Illusyoiuts,
Of this thre stoouys, heyl, conquadrata !

Fettyug of the alle our jn-otecciouns,
In wourldly pereell, with Aue lesse vii'gula. G4

(9)
Heyl, breunyng eharbou//cle, fervent of charyte !

Heyl, Calcedonye, iK; topas of clennesse !
Heyl, Crysolyte of pees and vnite !

Piirpurat Ametyst, conseniyng sobyrnesse ; 68

^loost pacient Berylle, alle Eneniyes to rep?-esse,
Tu sic dic/a viola & inuiolata

Heyl, strongest Achat geyu feendys sturdyuosse !
Heyl, flos cainpi, with Aue lesse virgula !

72

(10)
Heyl, sterre of lacob, glorie of Israeli !

Eva transformyd, the lettrys wel out sought,
luto thy Closet whan that Gabryell

"With this wourd Ave hath the tydynges brought. 76

For meeknesse oonly, God this niyracle hath wrought,
To-fore whoos face, mens mea iam prostrata.

Devoutly knelyng seith, -wiili herte and thought,
Heyl, flos campi, with Aue lesse virgula ! 80

Eva trans-
formed to
Ave.

55 aright] of ryght T. f>7 From this point h. is printed. 58
To chase T H. 60 geyn al] avenst T. ayens H. 61 avenst T H.
62thiseHT. Cella quadrata H T. "Hi tvith] 0 RT. 65

Carbuncle T. of] in H T. 66 Calcedovue H. and zopase H T.
tthopas sic MS. 69 Moost] Hayle H T. " oppres H T. 70 Tu]

om. HT. 71 Achat] trage T. gcyn] ageiist tliu H T. 72 with'] 0
HT. 73 and glory ins. HT. 74 and the lettres be wole sought
H T. 76 Ave] om. H T. hath the] the had H. he had T. 79
say H T. 80 with] 0 H T.

302

Ave, Jesse Virgula

The woman
cliithed ill a
sun.

Four virtues
given to
thee,

before all
women.

(11)

Heyl, gloryous queeu ! whooni the Apostyl lohn [if. i4o,bk.]

In his avisiou?i sawh, clothyd in a sonne,
With xij® sterrys, and many a precious stoon,

Voydyng the dirknesse of alle skyes dumie, 84

In tokne, thow liast the victorye wonne
Of vices alle, in cells sublimata,

For -whoom we synge, of herte as Ave best ku/nie,
Heyl Flos campi, with Aue Jesse virgula ! 88

(12)
The twelve sterrys be twelve prerogatyves,

Which thoAV haddyst in thy virginite,
To-fore alle othir maydenys and Eek wy ves ;

The first callyd feith, hope, and charyte, 92

Namyd virtutes theologice,
With which thow were diuinitus dotata.

For wliich we seyn devoutely on our knee
Heyl flos campi, with Aue Jesse virgula! 96

(13)
In the foure vertues callyd Cardinal,

Force ageyn vices, and hih prudence,
And attemperau7ice set in especial

In thy persone by soue^reyn excellence ; 1 00

Pyte, compassiou?^, l)enignyte, clemence,
To-forn alle women plus preuilegiata,

To whoom knelyng with humble reue?*ence
We seyn of herte, 0 Aue Jesse virgula ! 104

(14)
Yndir thy feet ther was a large moone, [leaf uij

Nat discresyng but alwey ful of lyght.
That Avas ful tokne, erly, late, and soone,

The gracious beemys of thy gi'acious syght 108

82 closed H T. 83 steires twclfe T. sterres .xij. H. 84
Derknesse avoidyng of all skyes H T. 85 had H T. 86 celo
H T. 88 0 Aue H T. 89 by the T. ben the ins. H. 90 had
H T. 91 Before H T. £ek] om. H T. 92 first thre ins. H.

thre furst ins. T. 93 Theologye H. 94 diuinis H T. 95

Syugyng to the devoutly on kne H T. 96 0 Ave H T. 97 In
the foure] The thre H. To thre T. 98 trowthe by prudence T.

trowth hy prudence ins. H. 99 And] With H T. 101 and

benynge clennes T. benyng clemence H. 104 syng of hole heite

ins. H T.

105 a large] in the H T.

107 tokenyng HT. 108 gracious] merciful HT.

106 ful ahvay H T.

Avi'y Jesse Virgula ! 303

Shewe on-to synner.s, evir Ilich brj'glit,
Witli-oute eclips, tu virgo sacratissima!

For ■which we .soyii, as we ar IimuihI i>f ryght,
Heyl, Flos campi, with Aue lesse virgula! 112

(15)
]\r. ill Maria was lirst tokne of mercy, The name

•' of Mary in

A. of Aue, whan first our loye gan, Anagram.

E. Avas redresse of Adam-is greet Fooly,

I. was le^u, that overcam Sathan, 116

A. was Altissinius, Avlian bothe God and man

*

Took our manliood of tlie, pijssima,

Seying to the, of licrtc as we best can,
Heyl, flos campi, witli Aue lesse virgula ! 120

(IG)
!M. in Maria, betokenyth Eek nioknesse,

A. next in Ordre, tokne of attempe/'au«ce,
R remedye, our surffectys to redresse,

I. betoknyth L'*us, helpe for al our grevaunce, 124

A. is Amor, inoost soue?*eyn of pleasaunce,
Al set in Oon tu sola puerpera,

This name sliall nevir out of our remembraunce,
Callyd fflos campi, 0 Aue lesse vii'gula. 128

(17)
i\r, is also signe of thy magnitude, [leaf 142, back)

Of plentevous mercyes, set in the alloone,
A. is Eek tokne of the greet altitude

"Wlieer thow sittyst Avith Salamon in liis throne, 132

1\. reformacio«n of al our pitous moone,
I. for \es\i, Tu nostra aduocata,

A. efft for Ave in syknesse whan we groone,
Thy name shall helpe 0 aue lesse virgula. 136

109 shewyng vnto vs synners euccyliche light H T. Ill sviige
H T. 113 icas\ om. H T. betokenvng H T. IH o/J for H T.
loy began H T. 115 mis] for H T. Adams H T. 116 hsus H T.
117 whan god becom a man H T (« om. T). 118 And toke ins.

HT. 119 Syngyng H T. 120 0 Ave H T. 122 betokeneth
H T. 123 remcdiu/H H T. 124 to stmt cure H T. 125 voyder
of al variaunce H T. 128 With haile tios, etc. H T. 129

M. also figureth H T. 130st/]HT. for H. IZlEciqUT.
om.H. tokenyngHT. the] tUiHT. 132 R is for r/w. H T.

al] 07)1. H T. 134 /or] to H T. 133 eft] eke H T. 136 0]
with H T.

304 A Valentine.

(18)
Succour thy Maria, that art tryacle and medycine,

Salve for our soorys and our liurtys alle,
Moost habundaunt of grace which is devyne,

Off our trespacys to sugre the bittir galle 140

^ In Sathanys snavys, whan we stouwible or falle,
Tu Rosa tu liliu?» salus nominata,

Socoure thy seruauntys whan we to the calle,
0 flos campi ! 0 aue lesse virgula! 144

(19)
Be with vs present, shewe thy fair face,

Help, Michael ! weye with vs in the ballau?ice,
Whan Ave shal deye, and Sathan doth nianace,

AI our proteccioujt stant in tliy gouernaunce ; 148

That dreedfiil day to save vs froo myschau??ce,
Thow heveuly ffenestrall, sole radiata,

Eelev'e alle thoo, by mercyful purviaunce,
That seyn of herte, 0 Aue lesse virgula ! 152

ExpZiCit quod Lydgate.

64. A VALENTINE TO HER THAT EXCELLETH

ALL.

[MS. Trin. Coll. Cam. R. 3. 20, leaves 145-149.]

^ Lo here beginne))e a balade made at ]'e reuerence of
our lady by daun Johan Lidegate ])e Munke of
Bury in wyse of chesing loues at Saint Valentynes
day. [1 page 145]

137 Mary H T. soorj/s, Jiiniys] Iransp. H T. vs in ins. H T.
140 to om. H T. siigre nienged with H T. 141 or] "and H T. 142
tu salus ins. H T. 144 And pray for help with me HT. 145
AVith vs be H T. and shew thy lemyng H T. 146 Mvghell H T.
147 and] om.WT. 148 in] vnder H T. .stondeth T.' 149 to\
om. H T. 150 Thow] om. H T. sola H T. 151 be thy H.

by thy ins. T. 152 syng of hole herte ins. H T. Explicit om. H T
{Stmv's hand adds lydgate ni T).

MSS. Trin. Coll. Camb. R. 3. 20, leaves 145 to 149 = T ; B. M.
Adds. 29729, leaves 155 to 157 = B ; Harley 2251, leaves 242,
back, to 244, back = H ; Bodley Ashmole 59, leaves 52 to 54 = A ;
Rawl. poet. 36, leaf 1 and back = R. T and A are in Shirley's
hand, H and B are copies of T, R is much altered.

A Valentine.

305

(1)
Pj'iyiit Valentyne, of cnstumo yooic l)y yeere,

|3 ^r^'Ji liaue an vsavnce in ))is Kegyoiin

To looke and serche Cupydes Kaliindere,

And clieese peyre choys by gret affeccioun ; —

Suclie as beon pricked by Cupydes niocion, 5

Taking ))eyre clioyse, as peyre soort do})e falle

Bat I lone oon -wliiclie excelli])e alle. 7

(2)
^ Some cheese for fayrnesse and for hye beaute,
Soine for estate, and some eke for rychchesse,
Some for fredame, and some for bountee,

Some for jjeyre poorte and ))eyr gentylesse, 1 1

Some for feyre plesaunce and some for peyre goodnesse,
Lyche as pe chaunce of peyre soorte doj) falle,
But I love oone whiclie excellefe alle. 14

(3)
^[ I chase ])atiioure si))en goon ful yoore,

And enery yeere my choyse I shal renuwe,

Ypon pis day conferme it euermore,

Sheo is in lone so stedfast and so truwe ;

Who louepe hir best, hit shal him ncuer rnwe, 19

Yif such a grace vn-to his soort may falle,

Whame I have chose for she excellepe alle. 21

(-1)
% Men speke of Lucresse ]>nt was of Roome tovne,

ffor -wyvely trouth founded on clennesse,

Some Avryte als of Marcea Catoun

With laude and prys for hir stedfastnesse ;

And some of Dydo for hir kyndenesse, 26

(ffortune suche happe leet vpon liem falle)

But I loue oone pat excellepe alle. 28

2 rt?;] in A R. wane E. within A. 3 seche A. 4 On tiiy day
lieie lowfS K. 5 hij^ with H. Cupydes] Venus R. 0 soort as
)>eyre choyse A. as fortune wold shew R. 7 l>ut I hauc cliosen
oon that excelleth in woi'dj's few R. whesche do))e excellen A.
8 ffor sunie A. hijc] om. R. 10 summe eke A. 13 tlie chaunce
of fortune wyl shew R. 14 whicli >at A. But my choyse excel-
lyth alle in wordys fewe R. 1.5-21 om. A R. 20 soort] foot sic P..
22 Lucressa of Rome toun R. 23 founden A. 24 wryte aJs] A. write
als H. trete R. T inserts aXs at cud of line. B/oUotcsT. 25
for] of R. 26 kyndnesse R B. 27 But fortune R. 28 hem
alle A. haue chosen oone that cxcellyth alle R.

LTDGATE, M. P. X

Men lipr«
choose
valentines
in Cnpid's
ralondiir,

but I love
one above
all.

Tliey choose
for different
re.isons.

1 ohose mine
long ago.

Mine excels
Lucrece,

Marcia,
Dydo,

306

A Valentine.

(0)

Ruchei, ft Rachel was feyre, Lia was eke fecounde,

Candace, And ryche also was pe qweene Candace, [i^ge hc]

So in hir tyme Right fay re was Roosamounde,
Bersabe, And Beisabee hade a goodely face,

Of Kyng Dauid she stoode so in fe grace, 33

ffirst wliane his look he leet vpoii hir falle,
But I loue oone whiche excellej>e alle. 35

(«)
U \)e noble kyng, fe mighty Assuere,

Esther, Cherisshed Hester for hir gret meeknesse,

ffor wommanhed, and for hir humble chere,

Made hir a qweene, and a gret Pryncesse ;

To ]>e Juwes la we she was defenseresse, 40

In sodein mesclieef fat did vpon hem falle,

But I loue 0011 whiche excelle]?e alle. 42

Saba,

and many
others.

^ Saba came fer for kyng Salamon

To seen his richchesse and his sapience,
His staately housholde, and his hye Eenoun,
Gaf him presence of gret excellence,
Herde his proverbes and his gret prudence, 47

Where as he seet in his royal stalle,
But I loue oone, ]>at excellefe alle. 49

(8)
II What shal I seyne of qweene Penolope ?

Or in Grece of fe qweene Alceste ?

Of Polixeene o])er of Medee ?

Or of qweene Heleyne holden J>e fayrest 1

Lat hem fareweH ! and let her names rest ! 54

My ladyes name feyre renoun doofe appalle,

Whome I haue chose for she excellfe alle. 56

29-56 07n. R. {but see xinder I. 64). 29 feyre] seyne A.

30 was eeke >e fairs cpvene A. 32 hade eke hade a godely sic A.
36 pat noble A. 40 deffenderessse A. 41 In >e] ms. A. 42
whiche })at iris. A. 43 Saba als A. fer] om. A. for] frome A.

44 seo A. 46 presentes H. 47 gret] hye H A. 48 ivhevf^

>at A. his so ins. A. 49 ]>at] which A. 51 0 per A. of feire

qwene A. 52 Polexsene A. 56 chosen A.

A Valentine.

307

(9)
H Tesbe )'o mayde borne in l'>;ibvlorin

)3at li>ued so weel ))e yongc Pyramus,
And Cl[e]opatre of wilful mocyoun
List for to dye with hir Antonyms.
Sette al on syde cone is so vertuous 61

Whiche pat I do my souerein lady calle, [page 147]
Whame I loue best for she excellepe alle. 63

(10)

U Gresylde whylome hade gret pacyence,

As hit was preued fer vp in Itayle,
Pallas Mynerua haden eloquence,

And Pantasilia faught in plate and mayle,
And Senobya lyouns wolde assay le,

To make hem taame as Oxe is in a stalle,
But I love oone, pat excellepe alle,

68
70

(H)
IT And if I shal hir name specyfye,

)5at folk may wit whiche sliee sholde be,
bis goodely fresshe called is Marye,

A braunche of kynges, pat sprange out of lesse,
))at made pe lord thorughe hir huraylyte

To let his golddewe in-to hir brest dovne falle,
To here pe fruyt which should saue vs alle.

75

77

She is Mary.

57 Thesbe R. Tcsbee A. \>c] l)at A. mayden H. eborne A.
Babyloigne A. 58 pe] om. R. 59 Cleopa,(re] B. cleopatre H A.
cleopater R. motou7i sic R. 61 on his R. 62 Whame pat A.
63 And love hir best A. 64 shco hade A. At this point R intro-
duces a hodgc-jmlge of various stanzas —

What shuld I reherse of Grysyldys pacience
Or speke in Grece of the queue Alceste,

Or of Pallas minc?'ua that liat tlie eloquence,
Or of quene Elepie holden tlie fayrest ;

Late hem farewelle, lete ther names reste,
Suche happe fortune dyd me shewe

Whome I haue chosen excellyth in tt'rmes fewe.

66 hladde H. 67 Patasilia A. 69 is] om. A. As orses bene to
make hem tame in stalle A. 70 Yitte love 1 oone beste A. The
rest o/R is appended at the end of the piece. 72 folke shoulde wit
what sheo ever be A. 73 Called is oure ladye pe blesse Marie A.
7i out of] off A. 76 goldewe A. dovne] om. A.

X 2

808

A Valentine.

As dew on
Gideon's
fleece,
came the
Holy Ghost
to her.

She is the

woman
clothed in
a sun,

the maid
of Octavius'
vision.

salutfi'l by
Gabriel.

(12)
% I meue pus, whaiie pe Holy Goost aligfit

In-to hir brest, to saue vs euerycli ooue
Eigfit as pe dewe, "witS sihier dropes brigTit,
ffeH vpon ]>e flees of Gedeoun,

And as pe yerde also of Aaroun 82

Boiirjourned, and bare fruyt to sugre oure galle,
Whome I loue best, for slieo excellepe alle. 84

(13)
% Sheo of oure yvel adawed hape pe clippes,

Oure victorye of pe serpent wonne,
)3is is sheo, pat whylome in papocolippes

Saint lohan papostel sawe eloped in [aj sonne ;
INIankyndes loye at hir Avas first begonne, 89

I-lefuyt to synners pat for help do calle
To hir of goodnesse, whiche excellepe alle. 91

(H)
% )3is is pe mayde, whiche on pawtere,

With chylde in armys appeered pleynly panne,
And shoone for brightnesse as any sonne cleere,
To-fore pemperour cleped Octouyan [page i4S]

And he felle doune and worship hir began, 96

Lefft his pryde and gan hir socour calle,
To hir of goodenesse, pat excellepe alle. 98

(15)
% Sheo was cheef roote of oure saluacyoun,
J5at first for man pe helthe gan pourchace,
Whane GabryeH Avith salutacyoun,

Gane frome pe lord hir salue in pe place,
Sheo brought first Theofilus to grace, 105

Out of pe mescheef pat he was Inne falle,
Whame I loue best, for sheo excellepe alle. 105

79 In hir bosonie. 82 yerdes B. of gode ??i^. A. 83 boui-
souned A. aiid] oin. A. 85 ydell sic B. 86 o/"] from A. 87
pis same is sheo which A. 88 a ins. H A. 90 help do] hir

helpe A. 91 For mans helpe hir goodnesse excellipe alle A.

92 vnto A. 93 pleynly'] in ]>q temple A. 94 for] om. so
bright A. 97 of socour cane hir A. 98 for she of goodnesse A,
102 oure lord A. 104 of mescheef into which he was A.

A Valentine.

309

(16)

^ Men at ])eyre lust may l)oo)?e cheese and lei-t,

Lyclie as love doo))e )?eyre hertes distreyne,
Kateryne was goods and sainte Marg'arete,
Agnes Agas and Marye Magdaleene.
Fydes Lucya and also :sainte Eleyue,
r>ut of my soort pe soort is so liefallo,
I loue oon best, for sheo excelle]5e alle.

She is above
all holy
saints.

110
112

(17)

% Affter feyre hertes to eueiy man is free,
"Who euer sey nay, in loue for to cheese ;
In choys of love ))er is gret libertee

Euery sesoun, whej^er hit thowe or freese ;
And for my part, by cause me list not lease,
Ne in my choyse fer may no meschief falle,
I haue choose oon which jjat excellej^e alle.

117

119

Every one
is free to
choose,

(18)

% Frorae yeere to yeer for necglygence or rape,

Vovde of al chaunge and of nufanglenesse.
Saint Valentyne hit shal me not escape
Ypon py day, in token of stedfastnesse,
But fat I shal conferme in sikurnesse
!My choys of nuwe, so as it is befalle,
To love hir best, whiche pat excellej^e alle.

124
126

but I shall
choose her,
year by year

(19)
Lenvoye.

% Noble pryncesse, braunche of flour delys, [page i49]
"NY has goodenesse thoroughe pe worlds doojj sliyne.
So weel avysed, so prudent, and so wys,

109 Anieys and agas A. 110 also] eke faire A. Ill Of my
fortuTie ])e soort is nowe me folle A. 112 f>at I love one which

>at A. 113 to] om. A. 114 in love/or to] ]>at eche wight may A.
115-116 T has the lines transposed, but corrected with a, b on the
margin. 116 thrawe H. 119 u-hich \)at excellc\)e] whome I love
best, of A. 12-1 But] So A. 127 pryuce B. Lenvoye]

oui. H A.

310 A Valentine.

Saint Glottis blood, and of fat noble lyne !

Lowly beseeche I, conferme and termyne 131

To yif me love, lyclie as it is befalle,
To love hir best J^at excellej^e alle. 133

(20)

% Witb humble herte beseching ])at virgyne,

"Whiclie is nioost feyre, moost bountevous and goode,
To sixst Henry, his moder Kateryne,

To sheede hir grace, and to fieyre noble bloode ;
And Cryst lesn, ])at starf vpon \ie Koode, 138

Haue on vs mercy, whane Ave for help calle,
For love of hir, fat excellefe alle ! 140

130 Lowys H. 131 determyne B. 132 love] leve A B Cf.
R 90 be/ou: lychc] oiii. A. 133 whiche A. 135 is] om. A.

140 frt<] {'US ins. B. fynes B. R ends with the following
spurious revision : —

For yf I shuld the trouthe exprcsse 71

The vertues comprehendyd in this ladyes echonc
May welbe veryfied both more and lesse
In my lady that I loue in yere Agone
And now good happe as gest came me oon 75

Suche fauour eke fortune dyd me sliew
That my choys excellyth alle in wordys fewe.

Soucrcyn mastresse of welfare pris 85

Whos Goodnesse tliorow the worde doth shyne
So wel avysed so prudent and wys

And whos trouthc no wyt may detcnnyne
Of youre specyall grace yoitr eres inclyne

And yf me leue lyke as it is falle 90

To loue you best that excellyth alle,

Humbly besechyng to that pur virgyne

That ye ar named after to graunte me grace
Yon so to loue and serue sau/ice fyne

Wythoute interupcioun in any place 95

And therto that may haue leysure and space
To do you that we plesaunce calle
That I may reioyse a that excellythc alle. 98

Go fou messanger and for fere ^ow quake

For to apere in so hye presence 100

Tyl she of grace the to mercy take

That path of customs by ryghtful p7-ouidence
My annexyd to hyr magnificence

Of womanly pyte |)crto haue reuthe
Where ygnorance cau.sethe suchc offense 105

Wythe-oute malyce menying nat but treuthe.
Explicit.

The Legend of Dein Joos.

31]

Gf). TlIK LEGEND OF DAX JOOS.
[iMS. Trill. Coll. Cam. R. 3. 21, leaves 165, kuk, to 167.]

0

(1)

AVelle of swetuesse replete in euery veyne! [leaf im, back) o wpii of

sweetness,

That aH mankynde preseruyd liast from detlie,
And aH oure ioy fro ]ango«/- dydest restreyne

At tliy Xatiuite, 0 floure of Nazareth !

Whan the Holygost v:i{li liys swete hreth 5

Gan to enspyre the, as for hys chosyn place,
For loue of man by influence of hys grace, 7

(2)

And were inuyolate, 0 bryght heuynly sterre !
Mong celestynes, reynyng wit/iout memory,

That by thyne empryse in thys mortaH werre,
Of oure captyuyte, gatest tlie fuii vyctory,
Whom I beseche for thyne excellent glory, 12

Som drope of thy grace adowne to me constyH,

In reuerence of the thys dyte to fulfyli. 14

(3)

That ovnely my rewdenes thy myracle nat deface
Whyche whylom sendest in a deuoute abbey.

Of an hooly monke thorough thy niyght & grace,
That of aH pyte berest bothe lok and key,
For, benygne lady, the sothe of thee to sey, 1 9

FuH -weH thow quytyst that done thee loue and serue

An hundryd sythys bettyr then they deserue. 21

(4)
Ensample of Avhyche here ys in portreture,

W/t/ioutyn fable, ryght as hit was in dede,
0 refuge and welthe to euery creature !

Thy clerke to further helpe now at thys nede.

For to my purpose I wyH anone procede, 26

The trowthe to recorde, I wytt no lengor tary,
Eyght as hit Avas, a poynt I wyH nat vary. 28

MSS. Trill. Coll. Camb. R. 3. 21, leaves 16.5, back, to 167 = T ;
B.M. Harley 2251, leaves 70, back, to 72 = H. 5 the] om. H,'
8 0] a. 17 thurglit H. 20 aquyetest H.

give me
sonie drop
of thy grace.

that I tell
thv miracle
well.

312

The Legend of Dan Joos.

Vincent
tells this
story in his
Speculum
Histwiale.

A monk
once heard
a bishop
say five
psalms in
honour of
Mary,

as they are
here in
Latin.

He loved
them,

learned
them,

and said
them as he
could, daily.

40

42

(5)

Vincencius in hys speculatyf historiaH

Of tliys sayde moiike inaketll fuH mensioura,
Vnder the fourme to yow, as I reherse sliaH,
That by a gardeyne as he romyd vp and douiie
He heerd a bysshop of fame & gret renoune 33

Seying v. psahnes in honour of that flowre,
That bare I^.su Cryst cure alther redemptoure. 35

(6)

In whiche Psalmes, standyng eche in here degre, [leaf i06]
Whoso lyst take hede in syngler lettres fyue,

This blessyd name Maria there may he se
That furst of aH oure thraldam can depryue,
To the hauen of dethe when we gan arryue,

And fro the wawes of this mortaH: see,

Made vs to escape from aH aduersite.

(7)

Dystynctly in Latyn here may ye rede echoiie,
Folowyng these baladys as for youre plesaunce,

To whom the bysshop hade sayde hys meditacione,
The monke anone delytyd in his remembraunce,
And thought he wold as for his most affiaunce 47

Cotydyally with hem oonly oure lady plese,

That fro aH greuaunce hys sorowes myght appese. 49

(8)
And there w/t7/all he wrote hem in hys mynde,

So stedfastly with deuoute and hy corage,

That neuer a day a worde he foryate behynde,

But seyde hem entyerly in-to hys last age,

Hys olde gyltes bo the to a soft and swage 54

Af tyr hyr matyns, as was hys appetyte,

To sey hem euer was hys most delyte. 56

(9)
Therto his dylygence with aH hys hert & myght.
And forthe eontynuyd in his deuoutest wyse,

40 dethe] H. ovi. T.
gyltnes T.

50 Avritetthe H. 54 gyltes] gyltis H.

IVic Legend of Dan Joos.

313

G3

68

TyH at last hit befeH apon a iiyglit

The hoole Couent at niyilngyht gan aryse,
As ys here vsage, to do to God se/-iiyse,

So wlicn they were assemblyd there in generaH,

The suppiyo?/;- belioklyng aboute ouer aH,

(10)

As ys hys offyce that noone of they»« were absent,
liut of Dan loos he cowde nowyse aspy,

He roose hyni up and pruiyly he went

In-to hys chambre, and there he fond hyni ly
Deede as a stoone, and lowde he gan to cry

" Helpe," quoth he, " for the loue of oure lady Ijryglit,

Dan loos oure brother ys sodenly dede to-nyght." 70

(H)
The couent auone gau renne halfe in a drede, [leaf ice, back]

TyH tliey had behylde when passyd was here afray
Owte of hys mowthe, a Roose boothe sprang and sprede,

Fresslie in his coloure as any floure in May,

And other tweyne out of his eyen gray
Of hys eares as many fuH fresshly tlowryng,
That neuer yet in gardyne half so feyre gan spryng.

(12)

Thys rody Eoose they haue so long beholde

That sprang for his mowthe, tyll tliey haue espyed

FuH fayre grauen, in lettres of bornyd golde,
Marie fuH curyously as hit ys specyfyed.
In bookes oolde, and anone they haue hem hyed

Ynto the temple, with lawde Sc hye solempnyte,

Beryng the corse that aH men myght hit se.

75

1 1

82

(13)

Whyche they kepte in ryalte & hy perfeccioune
Seuyn dayes in the tempel there beyng p?-esent,

TyU thre bysshops of fame & gret renoune

Were comyn thedyr, ryght with deuout entent,
And many another clerk w/t/i hem by oon assent,

To se thys myracle of tliys lady bryght

Seying in thys wyse, with all her hert and myght.

At last,
0111! nJHlit,

D;iii Joos
could not
be found at
the praycTS.

The Odiivent
found him
dead,

with five

roses grow-
ing from his
mouth,
eyes and
ears,

with the
gold letters
" Maria"
on them.

84

89

91

59 at the ins. H. 6S to] H. om. T. 70 dede] om. H.

71 a] om. H. 80 I grauen H. 85 hj] om. H.

Three
bishops

saw this
miracle,
and said :

314

The, Legend of Dan Joos.

"Praise to
Jesus
and His
mother. "

Never in
roundel,
prose, or
rhyme, was
told half
such joy as
was then.

Everywhere
this legend
was told.

Ye lovers,
how

wretched
yon are.

(U)

" Lawde, hono?/r, pryce and hygH reuerence
Eternally Le to thee .0. heuynly luge,

And to thy modyr that of her gret benyuolence,
Preserueth from heuynes in this derke deluge,
That doone her magnyfy and ys her hoole refuge 96

More then they se?'ue sche quyteth a thowsand folde,

Hyr passyng goodnes of vs may nat be tolde : " 98

(15)
Thus when these bysshops & clerkis many oon

Had thankyd God, as ferforth as they can,
And thys lady that hathe thys grace ydoon,

So fuH of icy and blysse was euery man

Of thys ?«yracle, that syth the world began 103

Yet herde I neuer in lioundeH, prose ne ryme.
Of halfe the gladnes fat was witAyn hem that tyme, 105

(16)
Sone af tyr thys her iorney gan they holde, [leaf i67)

Eche in hys syde, in-to hys propre place,
Eyght as they fonde oueraH so haue they tolde,

Of thys holy Monke, 0 lady fuH of grace !

NoAV weH ys hyni, that can hys hert enbrace, 110

To loue the best and chaunge for no neAv,
That art so feythfuH thow canst nat be vntrew. 112

(17)

0 ye fresshe loners, that lyuyn eu^r in doublenesse,
And hurt yowr-self fuH oft vtitli your owne knyfe,

Your wofutt: ioy ys medlyd ay wz'tZi byttyrnesse,
NoAV glad, now sory, now lyte, now pensyfe,
Thus w^■t^ yoMr-self ye fall Qwer at stryfe, 117

Betwene two wawes ay possyd to and fro,

That in contraryosnes ye stryuyn euyr mo. 119

(18) _
Youre blynde fantasyes now in hertes weyue,

Of chyldysshe vanyte and let hem ouerslyde.
And loueth this lady, that can nowyse deceyue,

92-119 om. H.

Gloriosa Dicta Sunt Be Tc. 31^

She ys so stedfast of hert in eu<?;*y sydo,
That for your nedys so modyrly can prouyde 1 21

And for your iioysy these lettres fyue ye take, r.ikp Mary

Uf tliys name Maria oonly for liys sake. 126 jove,

(19)
That for youre trauayle so weH [wiH] yow auaunce,

Nat as these -vvemen on ye whyche ye doon delyte,
Tliat fedyn yow ail day wiih feyuyd pleasaunce,

Hyd vndyr tresou?i with many wordys wliyte,

But bet then ye deserue she woH yow quyte, 131

And for ye shaH nat labo?/v aH in veyue, that win

Ye shaH liave heuen there ys nomore to seyne ; 133 fieaven"

(20)
AVhos passyng goodnes may nat be co?»p;"eliendyd,

In mannys prudence fully to determyne,
She ys so parfyte she cannat be amendyd,

That ay to me/-cy and pyty doth enclyne.

Now benygne lady that dedyst oure sorowes fyne 138
In honoifr of the tliat done tliy psalmes rede
As was Dan loos, so quyte hem for theyre mede. 140 as she gave

. Dan Joos.

Amen.

66. GLOEIOSA DICTA SUNT DE TE.

[baLADE of oure LADTE by LIDEGATe] [leafl]
[From Tiin. Coll. Camb. R. 3. 20, leaves 1 to 4, back.]

Loo my freendes here beginnef-e \e translacyoune out
of Latyne in-to EnglissJie of Gloriosa dicta sunt de
te, &c. translated by Lidegate daun John \e Munk
of Buryat ):'insrt]auiice of \q Busschop of Excestre
in wyse of Balade . beholdefe and rede|:e I prey
yowe.

127 mZ/] H. icell]!:. 133 /irtcc] H. om.T. 139 do7ie thy]
these H.

MSS. Trin. Coll. Camb. R. 3. 20, leaves 1 to 4, back = T : R. M.
Adds. 29729. leaves 146, back, to 149, back=A: Harley 2251,
leaves 239 to 242, back = H ; Adds. 34360, leaves 55, back, to 57,
back (two versions) = B ; Harley 2255, leaves 135 to 139, back = h.
Heading ; lacks in h, others (copied from T) as above. The
first text oily of B is here collated. The second runs to 1. 44,
a7id has the same readings.

316

Gloriosa Dicta Sunt De Te.

On holy hills

I saw the
Holy City,
where upon
its walls
were written
" Glorious
things of
thee are
spoken."

So David

sang.

Of all cities
thou art
first.

above Troy,

(1)

On liooly hilles wheeche yeope of gret Ileuouii

Reysed on lieglit frome ])e valeys lowe
I saughe \)e grounde and J3e foundacion

Of a Citye aboue ])e Reynebowe. 4

}3e name is called, lyclie as I can knowe,
j)e dwelling place of jje deyitee,

Yppon f-e wallis, wryten al by rowe,
Gloryous thiiigis beon songe and saydo of )>oe. 8

(2)
|jis was )>e songe which Dauid with his harpe

Sang vpon fe mountes of Syon,
With nootes sweete and warbles touched sharpe

Fer frome pe floodes of felle Babylon. 12

)5is cytee bylt with many a ])rescious stoone,
Stoones of vertue, moost ryche vpon to see,

And his refreyde resouned euer in oon,
Gloryous thinges beon song and sayde of jjee. 16

(3)
Of alle cytees, who J)at serche neghe or ferre,

In what regyounes ]>ai men ryde or goo,
)3ou art |)y-self )?e bright loode-sterre,

Mankyndes lyff, to guye in wele and woo ; 20

Nazareth, but not Ilierico,
Jje prophetes gaf to pye natyvyte,

To make vs sure ageynst our mortal foo
Howe gloryous thinges beon songe and sayde of pee. 24

(4)

Auctours whylome gaf a prys to Troye

Laude and honnour and comendacyoun
In Eemembraunce of feyre olde loye

Jjat whylome was wel vsed in ]3at tovne, [leafi, back] 28

1 In H. n B. been A. beth B. of gref] moost famous of li.
2 vales A. 3 sought A. sawe R. 4 above'] surniountyng li.

Reynbowe B h. 5 is] om. h. lychc] om. h. can] om. H.

kowde h. 6 pe] om. h. 7 bi B. be h. 8 seid and songe li
{and so after, as indicated). 10 mount B. 11 soothe h. 13 a]
07n. h. 14 vpon to] vnto H. 15 refrayt H. 17 ]>at] om. h.
18 what] 07n. h. pat] where h. 20 guije in] governe \v/t/t h.

22 pie] om. h. 23 aye h. 25 whylome] sumtyme h. 27 hire h-
28 sumtyme h. wel] om. h.

GJoriosa Dida Sunt Dc Tc.

317

32

36

40

44

Ami ceke of Roome for doniynacyonn,
Cytoes J5at tyme of moostc souereyntce ;

But al jjeyre booste may iiowe be layJe adowiio,
So gloryous thinges beo sayile and song of fee.

(5)
)5oii art J)e cyte mooste koufe in euery cooste,

Of God fe Fader chosen by myracle
For ])y clennesse vnto fe Hooly Gooste

To beon alloone chevest habytacle,

AVhos nieeknesse made ))er was noon obstacle
To cause him light frome his souereyne see

And descende in-to ]jy tabernacle,
Howe gloryous tliinges beon seyde and songe of J>ee !

(6)
Auctoures also maken meucyomi,

As ))ey in bookes wel reherce konne,
)?owe were by meryte and by deuocioii

\)e table of golde offred to fe sonne,

"Which fisshers foon le and with, feyre nettes wonne
And liit presented vn-to \e deytoe

Of Phebus, wliich, with noo skyes donne
Eclippsepe neuer, for he sprang oute of ])ee.

(7)
lepte whylome, as maked is memorye,

Made of his doughter an oblacyoun
Vndescretly, for his gret victorye, —

Saynt Austyfi wryt, for lacking of resoini ;

But loacliim of pleyne entencyoun
And hooly Anne fiy pure virginytee

Offred vn-to God of oon affeccyoun ;
Howe gloryous thinges beon sayde and songe of pee.

(8)
]5ou art Jie temple and pe chosen toure

Moost stedfastly founded on clennesse,

29 And'] Lawde li. eekc] oni. h. 31 bostes A. 35 vnto] h.
by T H A B. 38 caus B. make h. 39 discendid h, 43 hy (2)]
om. HBh. 45 That h. 46 A//] that h. 49 soiiityme h.

made h. 51 gret] om. h. 52 Augustyn H. wrot h. lak H.

53 picym] chne h. 54 ))!/] of h. 56 song and said B. 56 B
ends here.

ami Rome.

Tliou, Mary,
art the Holy
City.

48

52 Thy vir-
ginity was
offered to
God.

56

Thou art
the temple

318

Gloriosa Dicta Sunt De Te.

of Jesus,

the city of
champions,

as Ecclesi-
astes,

Isaiah,

iSophoniah,

tell.

Where Cryst Iliesu, oure blessed saueour,

Chees for tabyde for jjyne hoolynesse ; 60

What called him dovne but Jjy gret nieekuesse [leaf 2]

Tenclyne his godheed to J'yne humylytee
I am to Rude, 0 lady ! for texpresse

Howe gloryous thinges beon song and sayde of Ipee. 64

(9)

)3er was a Cyte precelling alle tovnes

Whos gret beaute no masoun might amende,

Called pe Cyte of strong Chaumpyouns,

Whos chaaste walles Sapyence list ascende, 68

Whos worthynesse no clerk cane comprehende ;

Eeclynatorye of ])e Trinytee,

Reffuge of synners, wdianne ]>at ]>ey offende,

Howe gloryous thinges beon songe and sayde of fee ! 72

(10)
j)y blessed cytee was liyeghly glorefyed,

Ecclesiastes cane fe soope telle,
And of ])e lord moost Inly sanctefyed,

In which him-self list abyde and dwelle, 76

Owte of ))e which, besydes a sacred welle,
To saue mankynde of lyf \>gv sprang a tree,

Whos hoolsome fruyt alle fruytes dojje excelle
So gloryous thinges beon seyde and songe of j^ee. 80

(11)
In ))at cytee ]>e lord chose for to rest,

Recorde I taake of prudent Ysaye,
Sought it out and foonde it was ]'e best

And Jie prophete cieped Sophonye, 84

In his forsight list wel specefye,
" }5is is," quod he, " pe gloryous fayre cytee

Whome al ]>e warld of right shal magnef ye, "
So gloryous thinges beon songe and sayde of pee. 88

60 to abide H. 63 /or] om. h H. 65 al H. all A. 71

Eeflute h. 73 py] This h. 74 soth H. sothe h. 75 of]

om. h. Inly] heyhly li. 77 ]>e] om. h. 81 chees h. 83

beste h. 84 callyd h. So2)ho?iye] A h. Sophone T. 85 ivel]
to h. 88 seid and songe h H.

Gloriosa Dicta Sunt De Tc.

319

(12)
Ezechiel expressed with liis moujjc

\iAt he saughe a Cyte nioost hevenly,
Whiche was drawyng miche into ])e soutfio, |ieaf2, back)

Witll-Inno J)e whion, lie tellejje ful goostly, 92

\)aX. )je lover is serclied comunly,
)je lord of lordes )jat li;ij)e liegfie seuereyntcc,

And in his wryting he menejje truly
)3e gloryous thinges sayde and songe of )jee. 96

. (13)
Jjowe were \q steire of J)e morowe gray,

Passing alle ojjer as in comparysoun,
|3e fulle moone brighter jjane jje day,

Whylome called in )jy concepcyoun ; 100

And clearest sonne in jjyn assumpcyoun,
Alle derk skyes niakyng for to flee,

And brightest arke by conuersacz'on,
So gloryous thinges beon sayde and songe of fee. 104

Ezekidl, too,
saw a city.

A thousand sheeldes, Jie byble berefe witnesse,

Kyng Dauid hade honging in his tour,
Of golde and perlle, fret with gret Eychesse,

Made and devysed with dilygent labour, 108

And soo])efastly, 0 goodely fresshe flour,
Fayrest of fayre which sprang out of lesse,

A thousand vertues hast loken in J)y boure.
So gloryous thinges beon sayde and song of J)ee. 112

Thou liast
a thousand
virtues,
like David s
thousand
shields.

(15)

0 braunche of luda ! kyn to Israel !

Of hoolynesse verray Incomparable,
Lyk to Sarra daughter of RagueH,

Whiche in hir tyme off herte was so stable

116

91 The which ins. h. moche H. om. h. to H. 93 nioost

coraunlv ins. h H A. 94 hcghe] om. h. 95 And] om. h. 96 be
seyd ins. h. 99 fulk] h. tid T H A B. 100 Sointyme Ii. 102
tieke A sic. 106 had':] om. li. 108 dilygent] excellent li.

116 herte] h. hert TH A.

320

Gloriosa Dicta Sunt Dc Tc.

Like Judith,
driving out
the Fiend.

)pat iieuer man was to liir acceptable,
Til J^aungel made Thobye liir to se ;

But ]7y clennesse cliaaste and Inmutable
To God Avas offred, as Prophetis sing of J)ee. 120

(16)
Most perfect And amongcs wymmen, to rekken liem alle,

of women.

pou were nioost parfyt and hooly of ])y lyfF, [leaf 3]
Suche haboundaunce of grace is to pee falle

To beon alloone mayde, moder and wyff, 124

Right soletarye and conteniplatyff,
Lyche hooly ludith, to saven hir citee,

Madest Olypherne for to leese his lyff,
]3e feonde outraying, fus prophetes wryte of J)ee. 128

(17)
For ])ou hast oppressed dovne his heed

With al his dreedful venyme serpentyne,
Putte niankynde oute of mortal dreed,

Whane God his gold dewe made doune enclyne, 132

)3e dewe of grace, in ])y brest to shyne,
Oute of oure thraldome to get vs lyberte ;

Nowe let ]5y mercy oure synnes vndermyne,
Sith gloryous thinges bee seyde and songe of pee. 136

(18)
Of goostely helthe chevest restoratyff,

Of sinful men pe consolacz'oii,
In fygure called pe helsome tre of lytf

And sacred temple of Kyng Salamon ; 140

Jpe Busshe vnbrende of pure affecc/on,
Jje halowed Ark contening thinges three,

J?e Ourne and manna, \q yerde eeke of Aron,
Howe gloryous thinges beon sdnge and seyde of pee. 144

(19)
)?y goostely brightnesse may souffre noon eclipse,
But shyne ay bright, and neuer Avexen olde,

117 liire h. to hir was H. 118 Tobye h. 119 immntabilyte
h sic. 121 amounstes H. amonfj h. 123 Suych h. 125 PaglU^
o'm.\\. 126 saveh. 128 /co7tffe] second A. )>us] this li. writen
H. 132 to enclyne ins. H. 133 The which h. to\ doth h.

136 Suych h. 139holsomHA. 146 wexe h.

Gloriosa Dicta Sunt Dc Tc. 321

)3ou art pe Cytee wliich in pappocolips ThfiCity

Whylome Saint lohan saughe pauyed al with golJe 148 john.'
Wlios gret beaute may not beo sayde ne tolde,

SupfHatyf bove o})er of degree,

Called |je qweene of }>at hevenly liolde, [' leaf 3, back]

1 How gloryous thinges beon song and sayde of fee. 152

(20)
j3ou art in fygurc Jjo niausyouu royal

Jjat I of spake, remembred by Saint lohan,
On chastytee founded was Jie wal, Buiitof

Arered on heght with many a precyous stoone; 156 precious

Twelve ]'or were, to rekon hem oon by oon,
J3e precyons Jasper of virginyte laspeofvu-- Jasper.

Set in ])e grouude first of euerych oon, giiute.

Howe gloryous thinges beon sayde and songe of fee. 160

(21)
And aldernexst, I haue it weel in mynde,

)3e werk tenbelisshe of fy conscyence,
Jjer was eeke sette fe goodely saphyre ynde, saphireof Sapphire.

Tavoyde fe fraude of feondes vyolence, ' 16-i

And vnkynde heetes of ffeuerous pestylence
Jjou canst asswage, of grace and of pytee,

With oure demerytes )jy mercy lat dispence,
Sith gloryous thinges beon songe and seyde of fee. 168

(22)
0 calceydoyne closed in clennessc ! caUydofiie chalcedony.

AVhich of nature power liaste and might °fcie«°««^«-
To ouercome, as clerkis cane expresse,

Causis contrarye gouyn ageynst right, 172

Wher-for 0 lady haue here to a sight, —
)3ou chosen charboncle of parfyte charytee !

Shewe to vs synners of grace f y clere light,
Sith gloryous thinges beo sayde and songe of fee. 176

148 Somtyme h. 150 ahovr] h. love T H A B. 156 Rervd h.
157 yr] they h. 158 lasjycr] H. laspe T h A. 161 alther next H.
aldir next h. 164 frendfs A. 167 dispende A. 169 calce-
donye h. doscd'\ h. clensed T H A. 172 contraryeth begonne h.
gyven H. 173 for'\ h. of T H A. haue Jure to a] b. here fore

haue a T H A.

LTDGATE, M. P. Y

322

Gloriosa Dicta Sunt Dc Te.

Emeralil.

Beryl.

(23)
0 Emeraude grene stooiie Incomperable ! Emeraude

Whicli of vertu awmentist fie rychesse, °

Whos glade stremes beon moste comfortable

To mysty eghen derked Avith blyndnesse, 180

Refresshing folk feynted with werynesse, [leaf 4)
In peyre vyage whanne pey wery be ;

Nowe towardes heven oure pilgrymage dresse
Where gloryous thinges beon songe and sayde of fiee. 184

(24)
0 cleerest crystual bat first such grace haste woinie Berj-ie ami

cristal for

)5at J)e liooly goost in to )jy brest alight, light.

Right as pe beryle resceyuepe of pe Sonne

Fyre of his nature, in euery nuinnes sight, 188

}3e parfyte beemys so persaunt were and bright
Of God provyded by his eternytee,

J3is wreched worlde to gladen and to light
Howe gloryous thinges beon songe and sayde of fee. 192

Perltot.

Jacyntli,

(25)

Peritot
iiiagiipfied
of god.

0 perytot ! \q which as clerkes seype,

}5e lord list mooste for to inagnefye,
In whonie thre dayes rested al oure feyth

Whan Cryst lesu list for niankynde dye, 196

And in his grave meekly for to lye,
Which tyme oure feyth craumpisshed in yche degree,

Saue ))ou vpright stoode and list not plye
Howe gloryous thinges beon songe and sayde of fee ! 200

(26)

Lyche a lacynct vayding al drerynesse,
Stabul abyding his resureccion,

Knowing allone thorugh fyne holynesse
]5at of luda fe mighty strong lyoun

Jacyiicte
stabul.

204

177 stoone] h. stern e (?) T. ston H. 185suychh. won?i€] h.
om. TH A. 186 \e\ the HA. ]>o T. 187 sonnes cast ins. H.
188 -FVre] Forh. 189 Thy H. persaunt] h. parfyte T HA.

190 Ms] om. h. eternytee his T A. 191 glade h. gladde H.
193 >e] om. h. 194 for] om. H. 195 lasted H. 196 Jesu]
cm. h. 203 thy h.

Gloriosa Dicta Sunt Be Te.

Slioukl ryse agoyne for cure saluacton,
A titer ascende to his lieveuly see,

Al ])is J)ou knewe, by cleer inspecctoii,
Howe gloryous thiiiges beoii songe and sayde of J)ec ! 208

323

(27)

Amatyst
amiable.

0 Amatyst ! -with ]>y pourple lunve,

IjV influence of )>yne hegbe goodnesse
Causest in hortis J)at beon sadde and truwe, iieaf 4, back]

To founde him-self on parfyt stabilnesse 212

0 stoone of vertu causing sobirnesse
With outen chaunge or miitabilytee ;

Ruwe of pytee vpon cure wrecchednesse
Sitli gloryous thinges beon songe and saydo of ))ee. 216

Ametliyst.

(28)

Of patryarkes jjonnour and pe glorye,

And of proplietes ]>e chief foundacton,
To )?appostilles laude to peyre victorye,

And to Jje niartirs J)e laureal renoun, 220

Of confessours fe consolacioun,
And to virgynes myrrour of Chastite

To J)y servants sheelde and proteccton,
Howe gloryous thinges beon songe and sayde of ))ee, 224:

(29)

0 blessed lady ! qweene of ]>e heghe heven,

AVhome clerkes calle Jjemperyse of helle
Sitting ful fer above fe steiTes seven,

And qweenes alle in honnour doist excelle, 228

Be J^ou oure socour, our vyces to expelle,
])at called art of God fe cheef cytee,

Whane we passe hens, by mercy make vs dwelle
AVhere gloryous thinges be sayde and song of fee. 232

Blessed
Lady,

be thou our
aid.

210 i7irlucncc]hll. infulenceTA. 211 ladde A. trie we H.
212 grounde H. 213 sterne H. 215 Now hauf? pite h. 218
J)e] om. h. 219 ^-]of h. 220 ]>c (1)] om. H h. laureat h.

225 hih h. 226 Emperesse h. 228 doth A. 229i;f]Ah.
By T. 230 H o?/i. H. 232 Ther h. Colop?um: Explicit

quo]) lydgate h.

Y 2

324

Quis Dabit Meo Capiti?

Who sliall
give me a
fountain
of tears,

to tiewail
my Son's
crucifixion.

Mv sweet

Son,

so kind to

me

67. QUIS DABIT MEO CAPITI FOXTEM
LACRIMAEUM ]

^ Here begynneth a lamentacioun of our Lady Maria.

[MS. Bodley Laud Misc. 683, leaves 78-81.] [i leaf 78]

(1)
Who slial yeve vn-to myu lied a welle

Of bitter terys my sorwys to compleyne,
Or a gret condewit of troubly watrys fFelle

Down to dystylle fro myn Eyen tweyne, 4

To shewe the constreynt of my dedly peyne
Whan I, alias ! be-holde and dyd see

My dere sone bleede in eiiery veyne,
Atwix two thevys nayllyd to a tre ? 8

(2)
Who shal of wepyng geve me suffysaimce,

Or to my sobbyng who shal me terys ffynde,
To se my loie myn hertis hih plesaunce

My soote sone, that was to me so kynde, 12

Rallied wiih red blood as sap doth tlioruh the rynde,
Thorugh his enmyes vengable Cruelte ;

Dirkened with deth his eien now maad blynde,
Atwix two thevys naylled to a tre. 1 6

(3)
My loie, my lyght, my lanterne moost Entyeer, [if. 78, back

This hevenly Phebus is clypsed of his lyght.
This Esperus hath hyd liys bemys Cleer

And is of newe corteyned ffro my sight. 20

MSS. Laud 683, leaves 78-81 - L ; Harley 2255, leave.s 66,
back, to 69, back = H ; Harley 2251, leaves 43, back, to 46 = h ;
Jesus College, Camb. 56, leaves 19, back, to 22, back = J ; St.
John's Coll., Oxford 56, leaves 74, back, to 76 = S. Heading in
S, lytgate, wanting in others. 3 vf'\ or J. watis {sic) H. 4

for to stille ins. S. my moyst ins. h. 6 beheeld H. behelde J.
behyld S. bihold h. 8 Atwene h. Be twi.x; J. 10 Vnto li.

my teris sprede li. 12 swete H b J. 13 sappe S. doth] otn. S.
20 certeyned H.

Qnis Dahit Mco Capiti ?

325

Wlian slial this day-sterre sliewo me liis bemys brilit,
To clere the trouble of myn adversyte ?

Panle, the lewys do me to gret vnright
To nay lie my sone alias on to a tre. 24

0 alle ye douhtren of lerusaleem,

Ilaue som compassiou« of my sihes deepe,
jSat lyk the gladnesse wich I hadde in Bedleem,

Kom neer of routhe and helpe me for to wepe, 28

A swerd of deth doth thoruli myn herte crepe,

1 ffele it ifull weell of modyrly pyte.
Craunpisshed with deth swownyng I do slepe,

To se my sone thus nay lied to a tre. 32

(5)

0 gentyl pryncessis and ladyes of Estaat,

And ye virgynes, in your entent most clene,
To yeve me comfort that stonde al desolaat

Eenneth a pas to se the woundys grene 36

Of your trewe spouce, of bledyng pale & lene ;
And aduertyseth and hath now rowthe on me,

Feynt for to stonde, for how sholde I sustene
To se my sone thus naylled to a tre 1 40

(6)
And alle ye women, tappese myn hewynesse, [leaf 79]

Keme?7ibreth the processe of his dredful victorie ;
Se, to-for Pilat, by many fals Avytnesse

How he Avas dampned in the Concystorye. 44

Radde ye euere Or sauh in his storye
Of any sorwes that may compared be

On to the sorwys grave in my memorye
To se my sone thus naylled to a tre ? 48

(7)
And yif ye lyke of routhe for to leere,
And at my terys yeve ye nat dysdeyne,

21 mc] om. S. 23 done to me to im. h. to me gret S. 25

01 oui. J. 26 Ha H. Hauetlie S. of] on H li. 30 full]
om. h. of ful modirly ins. h. 31 Crauiiipasshed J. deth] om. H.
35 mc] om. S. stomk] om. U. 41 Ami] om. S. 42 Kenieni-
brethe and haue now rewthe on nie S. 43 Seth h S. 45 history
H h J.

Pity me
flaughters of
Jerusalem.

Go and see
the wounds
of your
Spouse.

Remember
His sorrows.

326

Quis Dabit Meo Capiti'?

Take heed
and see
Christ
oft'ered as
a lamb for
you.

What
wonder if
1 swoon '?

I can hardly
stand.

But of compassioun meekly lyst to heere,

How a sharp swerd myn hert hath corve on tweyne, 52
A swerd of sorwe thoruh perced euery veyne,

Now deth hath slayn my sone, and spareth me,
Alias ! fro wepyng how sholde I me restreyne

To 86 my sone thus naylled to a tre % 56

(8)
0 peple onkynde ! why wil ye noon heed take

To se the lord of helle, erthe, and hevene,
Meek as a lamb, thus offred for your sake.

To sle the dragoun wit/t his hedys sevene, 60

Dauntyng the power of his Infernal levene,
Out of his thraldam to make yow go ffre,

"VVz't/i. many mo wow?idys than any m.a.n can nevene
Whan he at Calvary was naylled to a tre] 64

(9)
Is it a mervayll or any maner wonder [leaf 79, back)

Though I ful offte swowne for grevaunce 1
Was euere moder outlier here or yonder,

That for hyr Chyld ffelte more penaunce 1 68

My« Inward sorwys can ffynde noon allegaunce,
Ech hour renewyng, it wyl noon other be,

Whan-euere it cometh to my remembraunce
How that my sone was naylled to a tre. 72

(10)
The lemys ffeble vp-on my feet to stonde,

Whanne I, alias, consydre and do be-holde
This pitous mateer, that we han on honde,

Ful lytell mervayll thouh myw herte colde, 76

My?j haud3's crau?;pisshed, I may them nat vnfolde;
To goon vpright I haue no ifoot nor kne,

My peynes passe alle tormentys newe and olde
To se my sone thus naylled to a tre. 80

(11)

Geyn the guyse of kynges riche crownes,

My dere sone weryd a Crowne of thorn,

52coruenJ. a-tweyue S. 54 iN'ow] And S. spared h. 57 0] om.
J. wilt thu H. wiltow li. 58 ^^ic] thy J. 59 j/owr] Jii H J h. 62
yow'\ the S H h J. 64 he'] om. h. 66 J>of J. 67 was there ins. S.
69 jwoji] onu h. 72 thcW] om. J. 73 my'] the J. 74 do] om. h.
76 )jof J. 77 craumpissh H L J. 79 or J S. 80 Thus to se J.

Quis DaUt Meo Capiti? 327

Of gold and perle, ageyn ther stately gownes,

Ageyu ther ridyiig grot meyiic them be-forii, 84

My sone on fVoote hath his cros I-born ; Hr .sunered

•^ ' a pain for

Ageyu ther setys of stones and perre, every human

- ' jileasure.

And for niankynde that was thoruh synne lorn,
He, poro an<l naked, was naylled to a tre. 88

(12)
Ageyn the beddys, stately, hih, and soffte,

Of worldlj' pryncys with pelwys for their lied,
Vp-on the roode my sone was lyfift a-loffte, [leaf 80]

With bloody purpil hys mantel maad al reed, 92

Marked with a spere and for mankynde ded.
And grucohetl nothyng thoruh his humylyte,

To me noon ese, whanne that I took heed,
And sauh my sone thus naylled to a tre. 96

(13)
For Adamhis synne thus was my sone slayn, Slain for

■' .; J ' Adam's sin.

Thoruh the olde serpent by thassent of Eve,
"When tlioruh my meknesse ma7ikynde was maad ffayn,

Hir name turned ther thraldam to Releve, 100

And Gabryell kam, my meeknesse ffor to preve,
Sent by on accord of al the Trynyte,

But ful sore afPter it dyd myn herte greve,
Whanne I my sone sauh najdled to a tre. 104

(14)
For manliis love he faught a gret batayll.

With his sevene hedys he oiitrayed the dragouw,
Lyk myhty Sampson wit/i-oute plate or mayll,

In his strong ffygbt he strangeled the lyoun, 108

Thus was my sone mankyndys Champyoun,
Thorugh his most myght}' magnanymyte.

As kyng and bysshop made his oblanyoun
Ypon the hih auhter of the Koode tre, 112

84 fieire gret inx. J. 85 born J. 86 Ageyn youre soffte pasis
sore drevyn was liee S. 89 the] ther H J. 91 on loft J h.

92 viaad] om. h. 94 f)urth (sic) J. 97-104 07n. h. 97

Adamys H. Adam ys S. 101 And] om. J. 104 sarve my

son J. lOSmannesJ. mannys H h. Line 109 07n. \i. 109
mankynde J.

328

Qtiis Dahit Meo Capiti?

The sacri-
ficial lamb.

Eleazar tlie
champion,

Hercules,
the strong.

He con-
quered
death.

(15)
My sonys suffraunce to Sathan was gret wrak,

Whos gret meknesse dyd I nouli suflfyse,
Cleerly ffygured "wlianne that Ysaak

Was by his ffader offred in sacryf yse, 116

Nat dysobeying in no maner wyse, • [leaf so, back]

But lyk a lamb of lownesse lyst nat ffle,

But most myn herte that tyme did agiyse
Whan I first sauh hym naylled to a tre. 120

(16)
He myhte be callid Eleasar the secou??.de,

The champion??, moost myghty and notable,
That gaf tholyfau?it his laste mortal wounde,

(Machabeo/'Mw this story ys no ffable), 124

And as Hercules, in his conquest/s stable,
Bar up the hevenys in liis humanyte.

For whom my sorwis wer niaad most lamentable
AVhan I be-held hym thus naylled to a tre, 128

(17)
Thus deth with deth was outraied and brouht lowe,

Mankyndys quarel maad vyctoryous.
For thanne leviathan was bou?ide and over-throwe,

Whan with his tryvmplies most synguler glorious, 132

My sone had faught with his blood precyous,
Conqueryd the dragou;i for al his ffel pouste.

And dryue hym horn to his Infernall hous,
Whan first my sone was naylled to a tre. 136

(18)
Lat euery man in this mater take heede,

And euery woman in this world a-lyve
Come ner to me to seen his woundys bleede.

His love, his deth, his kyndenesse to descryve, 140

To se the mysteryes of his Avoundys ffyve.
As bawme and tryacle of most souereynte

Cleerly dystyllyng to fynde socour blyve, [leaf si]
Down fro my sone [IJnayllyd to a tre. 144

114 I nought J. 118 But lik an vmble lamb {)at lyst nat ffle S.
122 moost] om. J. myghtiest J. 124 JMachabeor tellith ins. S.
129 u-as'] om. S. 133 fowten H. foughten J. 139 to] om. h.
141 the] om. S. 144 Inaylhjd] h. nayllyd L H J S.

The Testament.

3 '29

(19)
Trust in liis meiTy and I wyl go be tween,

Ami luunbly knele be forn liys fface,
For alniankynde be medyatrix and mene,

Of synfnl folk to releve tlie trespace,

That he ^\iih vengaunce shal them nat manace,
Lyk ther dysmeritees to shewe his cruelte,

But shewe to them his mercy and his grace,
Tliat for ther love was iiaylled to a tre.

Ej-pUcit.

148

152

68. THE TESTAMENT OF DAN JOHN LYDGATE.

[MS. B.:M. Harley 218, leaves 52, back, to 72.]

I.

Here begynneth the prologe of damp John lidgates

testament Monk of Bury.

(1)
0 howe holsom and glad is the memorie

Of Cryst \e$\i surmountyng all swetnesse,
Name of conquest, of triumphe, & victorie.

Thassaut of Sathau to venquysshe and opp?-esse 4

145 wilbe evene h. 150 demeiites H li. Colophon: Amen

explicit S. om. h.

MSS. B.M. Harley 218, leaves 5-2. back, to 72 = H ; Harley 2255,
leaves 47 to 65, back = Hy ; Harley 2382, leaves 87, back, to 96,
back, 108, 128, back, to 129, back = Ha ; Harlev 2251 (Pt. V. only),
leaves 41, 42 = Sh ; Additionals 29729 (Pt. I only), leaves 179,
back, to 183= St; Additionals 34193 (Pts. I, II onlv), leaves
223 to 235 = T; Royal 18 D II (Pts. II-Y), leaves 1 to 5 = H ;
Pliillipps library (Chelteuhani), 8299 (not munbered) — Ph ;
Levden Voss. 9, last part of book, separately bound = L ; Jesus
Coll. Camh. 56, leaves 1 to 19, back = J ; Trin. Coll. Camb. K. 3.
19 (Pts. II-V), leaves 162 to 172 = C ; B. M. Arundel 285,
leaves 170, back, to 174, back = Ar; Bodl. Rawl. C. 86 (Pt. V),
leaves 62, back, to 66, back = Rn ; Laud 683, leaves 88 to 108 =
Ld ; Pynson edition, leaves 1 to 12 = Pn. Titles : lacking in
J T C Ar. IcAii i)rologus L. Testamentu/)i Ph. Testamentu?^
lohanuis Lidgate nobih'.'s poete Hy. The Testament of Dan lohn
Lyilgard Ha (with rimniim title TestamentH//i Lydgard). Here
begyunetbe the testament of John Lydgate monke of berry whiche
he made hymselfe by his lyfe dayes R Pn. This folowyng is >e prologe
of John Lydgattes testament whiche I fownd in master Stantous
boke St (Stow). Ld a.s in H but adds On whos sowle I beseche
\cs\x haue mercy, lesus. 1 0] om. T. glad k, holsom Ha.

How glad is
the iiieinory
of Jesus.

330

The Testament.

No song
so sweet as
Jesus.

To whiclie name Seynt Poule beretli Avytnesse
Of heuene and ertlie, and infernal pouste

Alle creatures of ryght and dewe humblesse,
And of hole herte, bowe shall ther kne. 8

(2)

No song so sote vnto the audience

As is lesus, nor so full of plesaunce,
Ageyn all enemyes sheld. paveys, and defence,

To heuy hertes chief counfort in substaunce ; 12

Of gostly gladnesse most souereyne suffisaunce,
Chief directorie to heveneward the cite,

Gladdest resorte of spirituall remembraunce,
To whome alle creatures bowe shal ther kne. 16

(3)
To all folkes fat stonde in repentaunce,

"With herte contrite made ther confessions,
Of wille and thought accoraplysshed tlier penaunce,

And to ther power done satisfacciou??, 20

That cleyme by mene of Crystes passioun,
Marked with tav. T. for more suerte,

To them lesu shall graunte full pardon?*
To aske hym mercy, "whan thei knele on ther kne. 24

(^)
inHiraisaii In this name lesu, most souereyne of vertu, [leaf 53]

our hope.

otant alle our hope, And alle oure assuraunce,
For where fat euer named is \esvi,

Geyn gostly trouble men fynde allegeaunce ; 28

"Who trusteth lesu may fele no gvevaunce,
Whiche from all thraklome brought vs to liberte ;

Out of servage he made acquytaunce
To alle that knelen to lesu on ther kne. 32

To all
repentant
Jesus shall
grant
pardon.

7 Immblenesse J. 8 (/] om. J. 9 soote Lil. pote L. swete
Hy HaJ T. 10 ??w] om. J Ph. 14 ditarie T. 17 peple
Ha. folke T. stondis Ph. stonden Hy. 19«?io^]ofT. peuanc
{sic) J. 20 to ther power'] there Ph. to] om. T. power] cm. J.

21 cle^jme] certayne Ha. 22 Tave Ph. T in burnished gold with
decorative scrollinW-j. om. Ha. ij« T. 24 jf'oJThatHa. 07i'\ovi.
Ha. 25 lesn] urn. Hy J P T. 26 alle (1)] hole P Hy J.

holds T. alle (2)] om. T. 27 lohei-c] when P. euer] om. T. is

named Ha. 28 fynde] Ld Ha St H. fynden Hy. 29 in I^'.su
ins. T. 31 al servage Hy J T. he] om. T. made an ins. Hy.
made oon J. 32 knele Ld Hy Ha. knelithe T. knewe L.

The Testament.

331

(5)
lu Amorous hertes breunyng of kyudenesse

This name \e$\\ most profouiidely doth myno ;
Marter Igiiacius can berou tlierof wituesse,

Amyd whos lierte, be grace whiche is dyvyne, 36

AVith Aureat letteres As gold that dyd shyne,
His herte was graven, men may liis legende se, —

To teche alle cristen liore hedes to enclyne
To blysseil lesu, and bowe adovn ther kne. 10

(6)
This is the name that chaceth away the clips

Of foreyne dirknesse, as clerkes determyne,
By John remembred in thapocalips,

How lyche a lambe his hede he dyd enclyiie, 44

"Whos blood dovn x&wne, ryght as ony lyue,
To wasshe the ordures of our Iniquite,

^ledeled with water, clere as crystallyne,
AVhiclie from his herte down rayled by his kne. 48

(7)
Be blode \e.ms made our redempcioun, [leaf 53, back]

With water of baptem, from felthe wesshe vs clene,
And fro his lierte too licours ther ran iXonn

On Caluerye, the trouthe was weel sene, 52

"Whan that Longious, with a spere kene,
Perced his herte vpon the rode tre ;

0 man vnkende, thynke what this dothe mene
And vnto lesu bowe adovue thy kne ! 56

(S)
Ther is no speche nor language can remembre,

Lettre, sillable, nor word that may expresse,
Though into tunges were turned eue/y membre

Of man, to telle the excellent noblesse, 60

Ifjiianiiis'
Ill-art was
graven with
HiH name.

Jesus

redeemed

us.

Nothing
can tell the
worth of
Jesus.

ZZ-22i. lackinj in Ha, 2 l:avrs. 34 name of ins. HvJ. 3.5
bern L Ld Hy St. bere T Ph J. therof] herof LcrHy J L.
of this T. 36 dcvided T ! {the scriptorium reader had a cold in
his head!). 37 that] thay T. 39 here] ther Ld Hy St L J.
stanzas 6 and. 7 transposed in J and Ph. 41 clips] schippis. 43 John]
iesn Ph. 44 he] om. Hv. 45 as right ins. Ph. 47 as] and Ld
Hy St L J. am. Ph. '43 rayled] ran Ph. 49 Mode] bolde Th
(sic). 53 that] om. Hy Ld. ke7ie] can Ph. 54 tre] om. Hy.

56 Ie5u] hyin Ph. 57 nor no ins. T. 60 nobyluesse T.

332

The Testament.

Of blessed Ie.su, -whicli of his gret mekenesse,
List suflTre detli to make his servant fre ;

]^ow me?'cyful lesu, for thyn hygh goodnesse,
Haue mercy on alle that Lowe to the }ier kne ! 64

(9)
The prynce was slayne, })e seruaunt went at large,

And to delyuer his soget from priso-u?<
The lord toke on hyni for to here tlie charge

To quyte mankynde be oblacioun ; 68

Sealed with .v. Avoundes he payed our raunsou?i,
Man to restore to Parados hys cite,

Is not man bounde, I aske this questioun,
To blessed lesu for to bowe his kne 1 72

(10)

fi6o times Syx hundred tyme With syxty told be uoumbre [leaf 54]

men find the
name of
Jesus in
Paul.

In Poules pysteles lesu men may rede,
Multitude of fendes to encoumbre,

To paye oure raunsum his blood he did shede, 76

!Nat a small part but alle he dede out blede,
For Adames appel plukked from the tre,

lesu deyde, for shame ! man, take hede,
Gyf thanke to Ie6'u, & bowe to hym thy kno, 80

(11)
Alle these thynges considered that I tolde,

Man, Avhere-euere thou holdist thy passage,
Always look Toward lesu alwey that thow beholde,

With eyje fyx, loke on hys vysage ; 84

Crovned with thorn, I'or our gret outrage,
Haue this in mende, & lerne o thyng of me.

That day non enemye shall done vs no damage,
Whan we to Iei>'u deuoutly bowe our kne. 88

(12)
Withinne my closet & my lytel couclie,
0 blyssed lesu. And be my beddes syde,

gudnesse T. 64 her]

70 Paradys Ld Hy L

62 lyst to ins. T. 63 tliy gret T,

thyT. 68 obligaeioun HyTPh J.

etc. 71 axe Hy St. name not Ph. the Ph. 72 for'] oni. T

77 party .J. alle] om. Ph. outworn. Pli. 80 to hym] a downe T.
81 these] tliis LdT. thes Hy. 85-86 supplied in different hand

in Ph. 89 and in ins. Hy Ld Ph J.

The Testament.

333

That none enemy nor no fendc shall me touchi>,
The name of \ei<\x with me shall eu^'r ubyde ;
My lodesterre, and my souereyne guyde,

In this world here both on lond and se,
0 les\x ! Ir'sii ! for alio tho folk provyde,

"Which to thy name devoutly bowe here kne !

(13)
"With Maria called ^Faudeleyne, [leaf 54, back]

Erly eche morowe, whil that my lyf may dure,
Fro slouthe & slombre I shal my-self restreyne,

To seke Ie*ni at his sepulture,

"W'hom for to fynde if fat I may recure,
To haue possession?! of hym at liberte,

There were in erthe no rycchere creature,
To whom, ech wyght bowe shall hys kne.

In mercyfull le^'u to putte a veray preef,

Of his iwercy, that no man disespeyre,
Vpou the cros gaf graunt onto the theef

To paradys with hym to repayre ;

Toke out of helle soules many a peyre,
Mangre Cerberus and all his cruelte,

0 gracious Ie*"u ! benygne and debouayre,
Haue mercy on alle tliat bowe to the her kne.

(15)
The name of I^*u, swettest of names alle,

Geyn gostly venymes holsomest tryacle,
For who so euer to this name calle,

Of cankered surfetes fynt reles be myracle,

To [eyen^] blynde light, lanterne, and spectacle,
And bryghtest merour of alle felicite, 1 Ms. ony.

Support and sheld, defence & chief obstacle.
To alle that knele to lesu on ther kne.

J 2 Ji'siis' name
shall bi' over
with iiM!.

96

100

104

108

He pardons
all.

112

His name
has miracu-
lous healing
power.

116

120

91 neucr ne fer T. no] om. Ph. 95 tho] thy Ph. OS that]

om. T. 99 mv self I shal Ld Hy J. 101 pat] om. T L. 104

ech wight L Ld St. al creatuivs Hy T Ph J. ther Hy T Ph J.
106 dispayre J St T. 108 fort to ins. Hy. 109 a] om. T.

110 all] om. Ph. his] om. T. Ill iesu gracious Ph. 112 Ph
ends here. 114 venymes] enms sic T. holsora J. 115 vnto Ld
HyTJL. 13 7 ey(;?t] LLdHy Ha J. oDy H.

334 The Testament.

(IG)

This roiall name, most souereyne of renou?^, [leaf 55]

This name \esus, victorious in batayle,
Of hevenly tryvmphes the laureat guejxlou??,

The spii-itual palme of gostly apparayle, 124

Celestial prowesse, whiche may most avayle,
To sitte with auugels in ther eternal se,

The imperyal conqiiest, nat get -with plate or mayle,
But with meke knelyng to lesu on hir kne. 128

All shall

worship
Him in
heaven.

(17)

Patriarkes and p?'ophetes, one by one,

Thre lerarchies, & alle thordres nyne,
Twelve Aposteles, and marteres eue/ychone,

Holy confessoures, and euery pure virgyne, 132

To blyssed lesu most niekely shal enclyne ;
Fonles, bestes, and fpysshes of the se,

Kynd hath taught hem, by naturall disciplyne,
Mekely to lesu to bowe adown ther kne. 136

All love
must be
grounded
on Him.

(18)

There is no love parfytly Igrounded,

But it on \esvi toke his origenall,
For upon lesu al pe/'fitnesse is founded,

Our tour, our castell, geyn powers infernall ; 140

Our portecoleys, our bolewerke, and our wall,
Our sheld, our pavys geyn all aduersite,

Our heritage, our guerdou?^ eternall,
To whom all creatures bowe shall ther kne. 144

(19)

Condigne laude nor comendaciou?j [leaf 55, back]

Youe to this name ther can no tunge telle,

Of gostly fode rycchest refeccioun,

Hedespryng of grace, of lyf conduyt & welle, 148

121-128 om. T. 134 Foules and ins. L. fysshis k bestis T.

\Zb hatK] om.T. 136 <Ae/-] joure T. 137 grounded Ha T.

1S8 If it of Ha. of] Ld Hy StT L. on H. 140 toure & ins. J.

141wallesT. 143 hertage J. 144 w.-Ao??i] o??i. T. Ibowe T.

the T. 146 timge] man Ha.

-^-J-J—. ^-*L-

llic 'fcstamcnt.

335

lesw named, tlier (lore no dragouu ilwello,
Blyssedest bawine of our felicite,

Alle cankered sores And poysou/zs to repelle,
From them to \es\\ that knele vpoii tlior kno. 152

(20)
This jiame le^'us, hi interprotaeioiui,

Is for to seyn, our blessed savyour,
Our strong Sampsou?2, ]iat strangled the lyon«,

Our lord, our makers, & oure creatoure, 156

And be his passiou/t fro deth our redemptour,
Our Orphevs that from captiuyte

Fette Erudice to his celestiall tour,
To uhom alle creatures bowe shall ther kne. 160

(21)
At Avelles five licour I shal drawe

To wasshe the ruste of my synnes blyve,
Where al my.v-teryes of the olde and newe lawe

Toke oryginall, moraly to discryve, 164

I mene the welles of Crystes woundes five
Wherby we cleyme, of mercyful piete,

Thorow helps of lesxx at gracious port taryve,
There to haue me;-cy, knelyng on our kne. 168

(22)
I in le^u sette for iocunditas, [leaf 56]

Gynnyng & grounde of all gostly gladnesse,
E. next in ordre is eternitas,

Tokene and signe of ete/*nall bryghtnesse, 172

S sette for sanitas, socour ageyn sekenesse,
V. for vbertas, of spirituall plente,

S for suauitas, from whom comyth all suetnesse,
To them that knele to le^u on there kne. 176

(23)
I in le^'u, is ioye that neuere shall ende,
E signyfieth euerlastyng suffisaunce,

150 most blessid Ha. 152 bowe doun Ha. 154 for synne Ha.
155 strangnelid J. stanz(is 20-21 transposed in T. 156 ourc]

am. J. 159 Enidice] condite St. 162 my'\ oure J. 168

Tvherfor Ha. oure T. apon Ha. 169 condygne lamle f.r,

etc. T. 173 mnctus Ha. all sykenesse T. 176 ther Ld Hy.

her Ha. 177 /] om. T. shal haue ins. Ha.

The name
may be
interpreted
anagraiii-
iiiatically.

Jocunditas,
Eternitas,

Sanitas,
Ubertas,
Suayitas,

Joy,

Everlasting

sufficiency.

336

The Testament.

Salvation,
V. wounds.

Sacrament.

Jacob,
Habraham,

Christ.

Pitj' me,
as I cry to
Jesus.

S our sauacioun when we shall hens wende ;

V. his fyve woundes, ^pat made vs acquietaunce, 180
Fro Sathanes myght thurgh his nieke sufferaunce,

S for the sacrament, which ech day we may se,
In forme of bred, to sane vs fro myschaunce,

"Whan we devoutly receyue it on our kne. 184

(24)
J fro Jacob, h from Habraham,

The lyne descendyng be generaciou?i,
C stant for Crist, that from heuene kam,

Born of a mayde for oure redempciou?z, 188

The sharpe titel, tokene of his passioun.
Whan he was nayled vpon the rood tre,

0 blyssed lesu, do remissioun
To alle that aske me?-cy on ther kne. 192

(25)
Do mercy, lesvi, or [that] we hens passe, [leaf 56, back]

Out of this perilous dredfull pilgrimage,
Besette with brygauntes, leyd wayte in euery place,

With mortall saute to lett[yn] our passage, — 19G

Among other, I, that am falle in age,
Gretly feblysshed of old infirmite,

Crye vnto lesu for my synfuU outrage
Eight of hole herte, thus knelyng on my kne. 200

(26)
Lat nat be lost that thou hast bought so dere,

With gold nor syluer, but with thi precious blood,
Our flesshe is freel, but short abydyng here,

The olde se?-pent malicious and Avood, 204

The world vnstable, now ebbe, no we is flood,
Eche thyng concludyng on mutabilite,

Geyn whos daungeres I holde this counsel gode.
To prei for mercy to le^^u on oure kne. 208

180 a quytance Ld Hy. 181 mcke] om. Ha. 182 that we

may dayly se Ha. mcui'\ om. T. 185 fro, from^ for Ha T.

Abraham Hy HaT. 'l86 lyne] lyfe T. 189 Therpe T {sic).

tocoun T sic. title J. 190 roode Ld Hy L H St. 191 do thu

ins. Ha. 192 asken Ha. axe Hy St. 193 thaf] Hy J. om.

H Ld St T L. 197 thaf\ om. T. 200 this] om. T. vpon T.

202 nere with ins. T. 205 is] om. T. 206 on a ins. T.

The Testament. 337

(27)
And vndir siipporte, Ie^;ii, of thy fauour.

Or I passe hens, this Iioolly niyn entent,
To make \es\i to be cliief surveiour,

Of my laste wille sette in my testament, 212 inmset

1TTI • I c ^e T to rimke my

\\ hiche of myself am Insufficient testament.

To rekene or counte, but mercy & piete

Be preferryd, or thou do lugement.
To alle that calle to lesn on ther kne. 216

(28)
Ago is cnipe In, calleth me to my grave, [leaf 57] Age catietii

To make rekenyng how I my tyme haue spent,
Baryue of vertu, alias, who shall me saue,

Fro fendes daunger tacounte for my talent, 220

But les\x be my staf and my potent,
Ouerstreite audite is like tencombre me,

Or dome be youen, but mercy be present
To all that knele to lesw on ther kne. 224

(29)
Now in the name of my lord Ie*"us, y„„_ j„

Of ryght hole herte in all my best entent, fulT^'

My lif remembryng, froward & vicious,

Ay contrarye to the comaundement 228

Of Cryst le.<\x, now with avisement
The lord besechyng, to haue mercy and piete,

My youthe, myn age, hou \at I haue myspcnte,
"With this word seid knelyng on my kne. 232

(30)

0 lesn, mercy ! with support of thi grace, o Jesu!

For thi meke passiou/i, remembre on my complaynt ! m«rcy!

Duryng my lyf, with many gret trespace, ah my life

By many wrong path, where I haue myswente, 236 fesV." '"'"'

210 /] om. T. 211 to be] om. T. 212 in] om. T. 218 I have
myspent T. 220 for] om. T. 222 me] om. T. 226 in] is

Ha. 231 \at] om. Ha. spent St. myswent T. 233 with]

om. T. 234 compleynt Ld Hy. 236 Tnany] om. J. many

a Ha. where] as Ha. Lydgate, 7n.p.

LYDGATE, il. P. Z

338

The Testament.

I now purpose, be thy grace influent,
To wryte a trites of surfetes don to the,

And calle[n] it my ]ast[e] testament,
With lesw mercy knelyng on my kne.

240

Past years
have

brouglit to
7ue the
kalends of
death.

IL
Testamentu//? in no/»/ne lesu. [leaf 57, backi

(31)

The yeres passed of my tender you the
Of my fresshe Age sered the grennesse,

Lust appalled, thexpe/'ience is kouthe,

Tlie onweldy loyntes starked -with rudeneese, 244

Tlie cloudy sight mysted with dirkenesse,

AVithout redresse, recure, or amendes,

To me of death han brought in the kalendes. 247

(32)

Of myspent tyme a fole may weel compleyne,
Thing impossible ageyn for to recure,

Dayes lost in ydel no man may restreyne,

Them to reforme by none aventure, 2.51

Eche mortall man is called to the lure,

Of deth, alias, vncerteyne the passage,

AVhos chief marynere is called croked age. 254

(33)
His beadle, One of his bedeles, named feblenesse,

Feebleness, /^ • i i •

Cam with his potent in stede of a mace,
summoned Somouned me and after cam sekenesse,

ine, '

237 thy'] om. Ha. the T. 2-39 callyn Ld Hy. calle H. 240

colophon: exj)licit piologiis of John Lidgates testement, St. Part
II Title om. J. margin o/Ha, Balade. MSS. C R and the Pynson
print begin here. 241 giene yougli T. age Ha. 242 frcsshcl
best C. sered] feared sic Pn R. seeth sic Ha. 243 experience

doth swage Ha. kouthe] bouthe C. 244 vnrewly youthe ys C.

247 hathe T. 249/or] o//l Ha. 250 Idell dayes y past wlio can
call agayue RPn. 251 7ioon] con J. any Pn R. 252 Eueiy

Ha. to] 0771. T. vn to C. 253 als T. vncertayn is Ha C. the]

ys T. 254 Ha. irjicals here II. 129-192 {a single folio). 255

his] 0771. C. bi.lell Ha. bedill T. 256 patent C Ha. 257

Sompnyd C T Ha. afterwarde J Pn R.

The Testament,

339

Malencolyk, crthely, anJ pale of face,
Witli ther waraunt these tweyne can manace
How deth of me liis dewe dette soiiglite,
Anil to a bod oi laiifroure tliei me brought.

258 with siek-
nesH.

261

(34)
Wliere onto me anoon thor did appere (leaf &8] Thencamf

AVhill that I lay, compleynynge in a trance,
Clad in a nientell, a woman sad of chere,

IJlak was lier abyte, sobre of countenaunce, 205

Straunge of liir porte, froward of dalyaunce,
Castyng here looke to meward in certeyue
Lich of me she hadde but disdeyne. 268

(35)
Tliis seid woman Avas called " remembraunce

Of myspeut tyrae," in youthes lustynesse,
"Whiche to recorde did me gret grevauuce,

Than cam her suster, named " pensifnesse

For olde surletes," and gan onto me dresse
A wooful bylle, wliicli brought vnto [my] mynde
jNfy gret outrages, of long tyme left behynde. 275

(36)

Lyggyng alone, I gan«e to ymagyne

How with .iiij. tymes departed is the yere,

First how in ver, the soyle tenlumyne,

Butldes gyn open ageyne the sunne clere, 279

The bavme vpreysed most souereyne and entere,

Out of the rote doth naturally ascende

With new lytfre, the bareyne soil taniende. 282

(37)
The honysoucle, the fresshe primerolles, [leaf 58, back]
Ther leves splaye at Phebus vprysyng,

258 and] ad Hy. 259 ther] the C. those C. two Ha. ij T.
260 Hoic] Tliat K Pn. 262 ooii to me ins. C. 263 a] om. Ha.
264 Clad] and Ha. 265 her] his C. sobrc] sad Ha. of] was hir
Hy K Pd. 266 of {2)] whos T. 268 Lyk as ins. Hy R T. Lik as
to C. liad had L Ld Hy R Pn. but] om. Hy T Pn R. but gret Ha.
269 called was J R Pn. 270 Of ray nw. T. 271 gret] om. Ha.
273 For] Fro T. and] on. R Pn. 274 mij] Ld L Hy R Pn C J.

om. H. me my T. 275 outrage J C T. 278 ver] om. T.

were R. Uere Pn. 279 gynnyng R Pn. 281 dotli most i7is. T.
282 new] nowe C. lyfe T. soylc] sole C. 284 sjdaye] sprede Ha.

Z 2

Remem-
brance of
misspent
time,

272 and Regret,

giving me
a bill of
complaint.

Alone, I
reHfcted
on the four
seasons.

Spring
roiiies, with
Howers,

340

The Testament.

birds,

and sun-
shine.

A joyous
time.

So child-
hood goes
with Spring.

Thamerous foules with motytes and carolles,
Salue this sesou?^ euery mor[\ve]nyng,
AVhan Aurora hir licour distyllyng
Sent on herbes the perely dropis shene,
Of sikier dewes. teulumyne with the grene.

(38)
This tyine of Ver is named of grenesse,

Tyme of ioye, of gladnesse, and disporte,
Tyme of growyng, cliief moder of freshnesse,
Tyme of reioysyng, ordeyned for counforte,
Tyme wlian tyme maketh his resorte
In geryshe ^NFarche toward the Ariete,
Our Emyspery to gladen with his hete.

(39)
Wliiche sesouw prikkes fiessh corages,

Reioyseth bestes walking in ther pasture,
Causeth byrdes to syngen in ther cages,

Whan?ie blood reneweth in euery creature,

Sum obseruance doyng to nature,
Which is of ver called chief pryncesse,
And vnder God ther worldly Emp[e]resse.

(40)

And for this lusty sesou?^ agreable [leaf so]

Of gladnesse hath so gret avauntage.

Be convenyent resouw fuH notable,

Therto ful wel resembleth chyldes age,
Quyk, grene, fressh, and delyuer of corage,

For ryght as ver ay moreth in grenesse.

So doth childhode in amorous lustynesse.

286

289

293

296

300

303

307

310

285 motetys Ld Hy Ha. nierthis T. notes R Pii C. 286

this] that Ld Hy R Pn C. moru-cmjiKi] Ld Hy. monynge R.
inornyug Pn J Ha T. mor H (untinished'?). 288 dropis] Ha T.

dew C. 289 to ehimyne C. 290 of] om-. Ld Hv T Pn R C.

ynomyde C. 291 of (2)] om. Ha. 295 the] om. T." Diets Ha.
296 emi.spere C. glade C. 297 corage T C. 298 i!Aer] the J.

299 corages Ha. 302 above u-hicli, i, nature Hy. of verry

trouthes T. 30-3 ther] than R Pn. ^/Hperesse] Hy. empresse

R Pn L H Ld. 306 resouns Ld Hy Pn R. 307 childisli Hy.

childysh R. chilJysshe Pn. 308 Ful grene Ha. Q^iyk] om. Ha.
delyuered T. 309 ryght] om. T. verry age T. aye R Pn.

norrisseth T. contyuueth C.

The Testament 341

(11)
Tliis (jiiykyng sosou??, nutiityf and good, Tiiis season

Of liis nature hatli tweyne qualitoos,
Of liote and moyst, wliich long also to blode, is moist

In tlior ascencyoun vpward by degrees : 314 "'"^ '"'^•

(M kyiidly r3'ght, the whiche p/-opirtees,
By natural hete and temperat moysture,
Eekened in childliode .xiij. yeer doth endure. 317

(-1'2)

Thus in .Yj. thynges be order men may seen
Notable accord and lust convenience,

Blod, eyre, and ver, south, and meridien,

And age of chyldhood by naturall assistence, 321

Which, whill thei stonde in ther frcssh premynence,

Hete and moysture directeth ther passages,

With grene fervence to force yong corages. 324

(43)

First ZepherUS with his Wastes SOte [leaf 59, back] Zephyrs

Enspireth ver Avith newe buddes grene, Spring.

The bawme ascendetli out of Qxxery rote,

Causyng with flowres ageyn the sunne shene 328

May among mon[e]thes sitt like a queue,
Hir suster Apryll watryng hir gardeynes
With holsoui shoures shad in the tender vynes. 331

(44)
This tyme of Yer Flora doth hir cure, Florals

With soleyne niotlees passyng fressh and ga}',
Purpel colours wrought be dame nature,

Mounteyns, vales, and medewes for tarraye, 335

Hir warderobe open list not to delaye

311 qiiykenyng C. nutrified T. '312 Wc \l Pn. 313 moyst]
most. J. 315 u-hirh<r\ om. Hi. thynges T. 316 B>/] Of T

317RekneC. S19 caul] hy C. 321 nature C. 322 AVith

wiche thai T. in ther fressh] om. T. 324 to aforce C. signature

in Pn. testa, of I. L. a. iii. 32.5 sofe] so hote J. 326 huddcs]
turnes C. 32S Chongyng the T. Tnoonethes R Pn. monethisLd.
monetlivs Hv. nionetlie3 T. moiithe? H L. sytte Hy. sit Ld R
Pn. sitteth'Ha. stant L. 331 W/c] u;/i. Ha T. 332 Verray sic T.
his T. 333 pleyn Hy. 334 colour T C. 334-335 transposed
in T. 335 and] ora. R Pn. for] om. C. forte araj'c C. to tarye H
(altered from correct earlier reading, now hard to decypJicr). 336
warderope C.

342

The Testament.

So child-
hood is
changeable,

now happy,
now sad.

Large mesure to shewe out, and to shede

Tresoures of fayre, whiche she doth possede. 338

(45)

This sesouri, Ver, most plesaunt to childhode,
"With hir cliapelettes grene, white, and rede,

In whiche tyme the newe yonge blode

Hote and moyste ascendeth vp in dede, 342

Eeioyssyng hertes as it abrode doth sprede,

"VVenyng this sesoun among ther myrthes alle

Sholde neuer discrecen nor appalle, 345

(46)

The variaunt sesou?i of this stormy age [leafoo]

Abraydeth euere on newefangehiesse,

Now frounyng chiere, now fressh. of visage,

Now glad, now lyght, now trouble and hevynesse; 349
Wylde as an herte, nowe mornyng for sadnesse,

Stor???yssh as JNIarche, with chaunges ful sodeyne,

After cleer shynyng to turne and make it reyne. 352

(-t7)

Of this sesouw lust holte rene and brydell,
Selde or neuere abydyng in o poynte ;

Now passyng besy, nowe dissolute, now ydell ;

Now a good felowe, now all out of ioynte ; 356

Now smothe, now stark, now like an hard purpoynt ;

Now as the peys of a diall goth,

Now gerysh glad, and anoon after wroth. 359

(48)
Liche as in ver men gretly them delyte
To beholde the beaute souerayne

337 mesjur Hy. 338 Fayrye Hy. fayrie R Pii J. faire Ha.

precede J. 339 verray T. 340 chapeteles sic J. 342 inoi/ste]
most J. 345 dyscrece nor yet RPii. MS. T ends with this line,

catchword at bottom of leaf 228, back, The vareaunt. 347 apon

Ha. 348 frovvard Ha. corage L. 350 an] on J. /or] om. Ha.
351 Stormy C. ful^ om. Ha. 352 after o i>is. L. to] om. Ha.

353 holdith R Pn. 355 now (3)] and R Pn L. 356 now (2)]

and L. 357 hard like a Ha. spere poynt C. 358 a] the

Ha. 359 and] om. C. 360 Also in Uere R. Pn. as] om. J.

them] then Ha. 361 souerayne] of lovereyiie J. of louerayne

PnR.

The Testament.

34:j

Of these blosemes, so??fnie blewe, rede, aiul white,
In whos fresslienesse no colour may atteyne,
lUit tha/nie vnwarly conietli a wynde sotleyn<^,

For no fauour list not for to spare

Fresshnesse of braunches, for to make hem l)are.

3 (5 3

36G

(49)

This sesouTi ver stant neue?' in no certeyne, [leaf 60, back]
For su»ime on houre tliouj^'h Phel)us freshly shyne,

In ^larches woderes it sodeynly wyll reyne,

Which of the day all dirkenesse doth declyne, 370

And semblably a lyknesse to dyffyne,

Men sen chyldren of byrth[e] yong and grene,

Buryed withinne the yeres tiftene. 373

(50)

When Ver is fresshest of blosmes and of floures,
An vnware storine his fresshnessse may appayre,

Who may Avilhstonde the sterne sharpe schoures

Of dethes powere, where hym list repayre ? 377

Though fetures fresshe, angelyke, and fayre

Shewe out in chyldhode as ony crystall clere,

Deth can difface hem withynne ,xv. yeer. 380

Always
iiiicoi tain.

As Spring
sunshine
changes to
storms,

so Death
can ovei-
foiiie a
child.

(51)

Veres sesou?^ doth but a while abide

Skarsly iij. monethes he holdeth here soiour ;

The age of chyldhode, rekene on the tother syde,
111 hys encrese vp growyng as a floure,
But whan that deth inanaseth with his shour,

In suche case he can?ie no more defence

Than croked age in his most impotence.

384

387

362 these'] hys T. cliefe Pii K. 363 In] To Ld L Hy Ha T

PnR J. 364 wonderly Ha. 365 \>nt for ins. Ha. 366 The

freshnes ins. T. hem] all T. 367 nrwr] H L Ha T. om. J.

euere Ld. euir Hy. euer R Pn. no] om. T Ha. nouncertayne Pii
R. 370 dirkenesse] brii^htnesse Pn R. enclvne L. 372 seen

Ld Hy. birthe Ld Hy. 373 yeres of in all MSS. exe. H. L.

374 blomes Ld. of {2)] om.J. 37.5 apere T. 376 sterne]

stormv T. 377 to pere T. 378 Thoutch the ins. T J Pn R.

381 abide] bode J. 3S2 soiourne T. 333 thaye Pn R. 384 as
doth iJis. Ha. 335 that] om. L Ha.

344

The Testament.

my wilflness
well

(52)

Ver and eche sesou?z niut by processe fade, [leafci]
In ver of age may be no sekernesse,

Eche hath his houres, hevy and eke glade,
Ther sesouns meynt with ioye and hevynesse,
IS'ow fayr, now foule, now helth, now sekenesse,

To shewe a maner liknesse and ymage,

Our dwellyng here is but a pilgrymage.

(53) .
For my part And for my part, I can remembre weell

I remember

Whan I was gladdest in that fresshe sesou??,
Lyke brotel glasse, not stable nor like stell,
Fer out of harre, wilde of condiciou?^,
Ful geryssh, and voyde of all resou??,
Lyk a phane, ay turnyng to and fro,
Or like an orloge whan the peys is goo.

(54)

Youe to onthryfte and dissolucioun,
Stode onbrydeled of all gouernaunce,

Whiche remembryng, be meke confessyouu,
Now with my potent to fynde allegeaunce,
Of olde surfetes, contrite with repentaunce.

To the lesu, I make my passage,

Eehersyng trespaces don in my tender age.

(55)

But to direete be grace my matere, [leaf oi, back]

Mekely knelyng, lesu, in thy presence,

I me purpose to gynne with pray ere,

Vnder thi mercyfull fructuous influence.
So thou lesu of thy benevolence.

To my requestes be mercyfull attendaunce,

Graunt or I deye, shryft, hosel, repentaunce.

391

394

398

401

405

408

But before I
tell of it,

let me pray
for shrift. *

412

415

388 enerv T Ha. vade T. om. Ha. 390 lieuy and gladnesse Ha.
391 Ther']'Y\iQ J T. 394 That our ins. Ha. 395 party T.

396 icas] om. Ha. 397 steell Ld Ha. steel Hy. stele Pii R.
398 arre Ld. arrest Hy. a rest J Pii R. 399 Ful geryssh] Sa-
vagyne Hy J. Sauagyiig Pn R. Safe ayene {sic\) T. ro//fZc]
wodeJ. 401pcysj5]poysesPiiR. peyj. 402GefHa. YeuyiiG.
Gyueii Pn R. vnto Pn R. 403 al good ins. Hy R Pn T.

gouernaunct] condieioun T. 405 potence T. fymleu Ld.

407 make'] aske Ha. 408 trespace Pn R. don in] of T. my
tender] yong Ha. 413 So that i)is. T.

The Testament. 345

(5G)
]\ly wrecchcd lyf trxmemleii ami correcte

I me purpose, with sujiport of thi grace,
Thy deth thy passioun thy 4« crosse shall me directe,

Which suffrodest deth, I?.s-n, for our trespace. 419

T, Avrecche ouwortliy to lok vpon thy face.
Thy fete eiibracyng, fro whicll I shaH not t^vynlle,
i\Iercy recpiyryng, thus I wyH hegyiuie. 422

TIL

lesus.

(57)

0 myghty lord, of powere myghtyest ! o bounteous
AVithout Avhom alle force is febylnesse, iiave'mercy

Bovntevous Ie*'u ! of gode godlyest

!Mercy thy bedel, or thou thy domes dresse, 426

Dylayest rigour, to punishe my Avykednesse,
Leiigest abydyug, lothest to do vengeaunce,

0 blessed lesw. ! of thyn high goodnesse,
Graunt or I deye, shryfte, hosel, repentaunce. 430

(5S)
Though thou be myghty, thou art eke mercyable, [leaf 62]
To alle folkes that mekely hem repeute ;

1 a wrecche contagyous and coupable,

To alle outrages redy for tassent, 434

But of hole herte and wyll in myn entent.
Of olde and newe all vicious gouernaunce,

Of youthe, of age, and of mystyme spent.
Graunte or I deye, shryft, hosel, repentaunce. 438

(59)
Of my conf essioun receyve the sacryfice Receive my

Be my tunge vp offered onto the,

416 to amende T. 418 the sign ^ om. in all MSS. save H L.
422 wyll I R Pn. Jesus] Oracio Pii K. Ovaa'o previa liKiiiilitcr
contitentit Hy. Others have no title. 423 inygtyest Lord T.

most myghtyest Ha. 425 Bewteus J. of] om. T." 427 Delayeth
Pii R. 430 Grannt me im. T. hosel & ins. T Ha, and so here-

after. 431 eke] also T. 433 oowjortt/c] culpable J. compavii-
able T. 437 o/ (2)] and Pn R. {Z)]om.T. 440 rjj] o//i. Ha.
of rede R (sic), open to the Ha.

346

The Testament.

Bridle my
desires.

Make me
to hate all
else save
Thee.

That I may seyn in all my best[e] guyse

Mekely Avith Dauid, have mercy vpoii me ! 442

Sa[l]ue^ alle my sores, that they ne cankred be,

With noon olde rust of dysesperaunce ; i MS. saue.

Which of hole herte crye vpon my kne

Graunt or I deye, shryfte, hosel, repentaunce. 446

(60)
0 lesu ! lesxi ! here myn orisoun ;

Brydel myn outrage vnder thy disciplyne ;
Fetre sensualite, enlumyne my resoun,

To folowe the traces of spirituall doctryne ; 450

Lat thi grace lede me as ryght as lyne
With humble herte, to ly ve to thy plesaunce ;

And blyssed lesxi ! or I this lyf shal fyne,
Graunt or I deye, shryfte, hosel, repentaunce. 454

(61)
Suffre me to haue savour nor sweetnesse [leaf 02, back]

But in thy name that called is lesu ;
Alle foreyn thing to me make bitternesse,

Saue only Ipsw, most souereyne of vertu ! 458

To my professioun accordyng and most du,
Eue?*e to be jirented in my remembraunco.

At myn ende to graunt me this issu,
Tofore my deth, shryft, hosel, repentaunce. 462

(62)
No lord but Xo lord but lesn, most me?"cyable and benygne,
Which of mercy toke our humanyte.
And of loue, to she we a souereyn sygne,

Sufifredest passyoun vpon the rode tre, 466

Only to fraunchyse our mortalite,
Which stode in daungere of Sathanes encoumbrauwce.

Or I passe hens, lesu ! graunt onto me
Tofore my deth shryfte, hosel, and repentaunce. 470

441 hcste'] L. 442 miserere nieisdeus Ma.rg. o/Hy. 443 Salue]
Hy Pn R. saulf J. saue Ld L H. ne'] not other MSS. Lines
447-454 07n. L. 451 as (1)] om. Hy Ha ,J. right as a Pn R

T. 454 Graunt of thy mercy Hy K Pn J T. 455 fauour

T. 4.o7 make to me Ha. 459 To] So. du] tru T. 461 And
at ins. Ha T. 463 No] or J. benygrie] digne Ha. 466 sutfred
Pn R T. 470 and] om. Pn R L Hy.

The Testament.

;U7

(63)
I am excited and moved of luiturc

This name Ic^fu souercyiily to preyse ;
Name co/»mended most liyglily in scrypture,

Wliich naiiu> h:itii powere dede men to reyso 474

To lyf eternall, whos vertu dotli so peyse,
Ageyn my synues weyed in balaunce

That grace and wxercy shal so counterpeyse,
Graunt or 1 deye shryfte, hosol, repentaunce. 478

(64)
Lat me not reste, nor hane no quiete ; [leaf 63]

Occupye mj soule witli spirytuall trauayle
To syng and seyn, 0 mercy, Ie.su suete !

My proteccioun geyu fendes in batayle ! 482

Set asyde all odir apparayll —
And in Ie.su, putte all hole myn affiaunce,

Tresour of tresoures that me maj' most availl,
Graunt or I deye, shryfte, hosel, repentaunce. 486

(65)
My feyth, myn hope, to the \es\\ dotli calle, —

AVhiche glorious name shall never out of my mende.
I shall the seke what happe that euer befalle,

Be grace and mercy, in trust I shal the fynde ; 490

And but I dede, trewly I were vnlcynde,
Which for my sake were perced with a launce.

Onto tlie herte, Ie.su ! lef not behynde
Graunt or I deye, shryfte, hosel, repentaunce. 494

(66)
Ther is no God, Ie.su, Imt thou allone ;

Souerynest, and eke most me?*cyfull,
Fay rest of fayre ! erly, late and sone.

Stable, and most strong, pietous and rightful), 498

I am inovod
to prame
Jrsus above
all.

Occupy my
soul, Jesu.s!

My fa i til
rails to
Thee.

472 The Ld. of \es\\ ins. all MSS. 475 vcrtu] om. R. 476
synne T. in a ins. Ha. 477 and] of Ha. iiite?-])eyse J. 480 But
ocuine i)is. T. To ocuine ins. Ha. 482 Be my iris. T. 48.3
Settyns Pn R. 484 to put all veyne Pn R. all] om. Ld H L.

liooly T. 4S5 that] whvche T. may me most Pii R. most mav

Ha. 488 my] om. all ^ISS. cxr.. L. out] om. H. 489 thai]
om. Ha. ffalle Ld Ha L. 490 Se] Through T. in] I T Ha.

492 icere] with T. 497 1. om. Ha. 498 mercyfull H Ha. (</. I.
496). strong, jmtoics] rightfull pituous J Pn R. 'strong J.

348 The Testament.

Eeformyng synneres that ben in vertu dull,
Dauntyng the j^roude, mekenesse to enhaunce,

Thy tun?ie of mercy is eue?' a-liche full ;
Graunt or I deye, shryft, hosel, repentaunce. 502

(67)
^*eakt Suifre of mercy I may to the speke, [leaf 63, back]

Thee. 0 blyssed lesu ! and godely do adverte ;

Who shal yeue me leyser out to breke,

That thou lesu mayst entren in myn herte 506

There to abyde more nere than my sherte
With aureat le/res, graue there in substaunce 1

Provide for me, and late it not asterte,
Graunt or I deye, shryft, hosel, repentaunce. 510

(68)
Die anime mee salus tua ego sum.

heai'th '* '"^ ^^^ ^° "^^ soule, lesvi, thou art myn helthe.

Heryng this voys, after I shal pursue ;
Skoure that place from all gostly fylthe.

And vices alle fro thens to remewe, 514

Thyn Holy Gost close in that lytel mewe ;
Part not lyghtly, make soche chevisaunce

Tencrece in vertu and vices to eschewe.
And or I deye shryft, hosel, repentaunce. 518

(69)
Illustra faciem tuam supr r seruu/// ixiMin.
ShowTiiy She\ve glad thy face, and thy lyght dou7^ shede,

lace ujioii o ./ ' j .; o

™e. The me>-cyful lyght of thyn ey3en tweyne

On me thi servaunt which hath so nioch nede

For his synnes to weiDe[n] and compleyne. 522

And blyssed lesu ! of mercy not disdeyne
Thi gracious shoures lat reyne in abundaunce

Vpon myn herte, tadewen euery veyne.
And or I deye .shryft, hosel, repentaunce. 526

500 & mekeiies ins. T. 501 tunne'] time T. fuW] new T.

euer lyke R Pn. eueiy lycli J. 503 tliat y ins. Ha. 505 vie]
om. R. leyther H L. Ie3-ser all other MSS. 506 entrete H.

eiitre all other MSS. liubrics om. Pn R T. 511 lesit,} om. Ha.

thoit'] that T. 517 to eutre Ha. 519 thy glad T. 521 mekyll
J Pn R. 522 lids'] my T. weepen Hy. wepe Ha. 524 to

let T. 525 to refresshe T. twochyng Ha.

The Testament.

349

(70)
Saluu»; me fac in m/.f(';vv>r'/ia tua d'-i///me. iioafiiii
t)aue me thy scniauiit, 0 lord ! iii thy wwrcy,

For Ink of which hit me not be confounded,
For in the, \es\\, niyn hope stant fynally,

And all my trust in the Lsu is grounded, 530

For my synnes tiiynke, \es\\, thou were wounded,
Naked on the rode be mortall gret penaunce,

Be which the power of Sathan was confounded,
Graunt or I deye sliryfto, hose), repentaunce. 534

(71)
Tu es refugium meu?// a tribulacione.

Thou art, \es\x, my socour and refuge,

Geyn euery tempest and tribulacioun,
That worldly wawes with tlier mortall deluge

Ne drowne me nat in the dredfuil dongeoun, 538

Where Caribdes hath domynacioun,
And Circes syngeth songes of disturbaunce,

To passe that daunger be my proteccioun,
Graunt or I deye shryft, hosel, repentaunce. 542

(72)
Q,uis dabit michi venias in cor meu;».

Who shal yeue me lich to myn entent,

That thou le^'U mayst make thyn herbergage,
Be receyvyug of Holy sacrament,

Into myn herte, which is to myn olde age 546

Eepast eternall geyn all foreyn damage,
Dewly receyved with deuout observaunce 1

Celestiall guerdouw, ehde of my pilgrymage.
Is shryft, and hosel, and hertly repentaunce, 550

(73)
I fele myn herte brotel and roynous, [leaf 64, back]

Nat purified Ie.5U therin to reste,

527 a lord of J. for T. 530 in the] om. Ha. 531 lesn] how T.
were] om. R. 535 lesu,] om. J Pn R. refugy T. 537 worldly]
mortall T. delude T. 538 the] theire Pn R. liere J. 540
Syrenes Pn R. Chyrchys T (!) 541 be thou ins. Pn. 543 to]
om. J PnR. 545 By the i7is T. 546 to] om. Ha. 5i7 foreyn]
om. T. 548 denote Ha. 550 and (1)] om. Hy Ha. 551 irous" T.

H.ivo nil! ill
Tliy mercy,
Lord.

Thou art my
succour.

Let me come
to Thee.

350

The Testament.

Eepair my
thought.

Acrept me
ill Thy
mercy.

Let me ever
remember
the signs of
Thy jiassion.

But as a carpentere cometli to a broken hons,

Or an artificer repareth a reven cheste, 554

So thou, lesu, of crafty men the best,

Eepare my thought, broke with mysgouernaunce,
Vieite my soule, my lierte of stele to breste,

Graunt or I deye shryfte, hosel, repentaunce. 558

(74) _
With "wepyng eyen and contrite chere,

Accepts me, Ie.9u, and my compleynt conceyve,
As most onworthy tappers at thyn autere,

Which in my-self no vertu apparceyve, 562

But yf thy mwcy be grace me receyve,
Be synful leuyng brought onto outraunce,

Pray with good hope, Avhich may not disseyve,
Graunt or I deye shryfte, hosel, repentaunce. 566

(75)
Cryeng to the, that deydest on the rode,

Which with thy blood were steyned & made reed,
And on Sherthursday gaf vs to our fode

Thi blessed body, lesu, in forme of brede, 570

To me most synfull graunt or I be ded.
To cleyme be mercy for myn enheritaunce,

That witli sharp thorne were crovned on ]ii hed,
Or I passe hens shryfte, hosel, and repentaunce. 574

(76)
And one request in especiall, [leaf 65]

Graunt me, lesu, whil I am here a-lyve,
Euere to haue prented in my memoriall.

The remembraunce of thy woundes fyve, 578

Nayles with the spere that dyd thyn herte ryve,
Thy croune of thorn?, which was no smal penaunce,

Language and tunge, me dewly for to shryve.
The holy vnccioun, shryft, hosel, repentaunce. 582

554 reveii] broken T. 556 with my ins. R, 557 to] H L.

thou all other MSS. 559 eycii] om. Ha. and a ins. Hy R Pn

J T. 561 tofore T. 564 a trounce Ha. 565 I laeye T.

568 was H Pn R J. 569 to] om. T. 574 and] om. Hy J

Pu R. 576 Aere] ovi. Ha. 577 to] om. J. to enprynt R

Pn. enpreynted T. 58T and] of Ha. dculij] om. Ha.

The Testament.

351

(77)
AUe tlie toknes of thy passiouii,

I prey the, lesw, grave hem in my memorye,
Dewly marke myd Centre of my resoiwi,

On Calvery tliy triumi»hall victorie, 586

Man to restore to thyn etc/'nall glorie,
Be mei-litacioun of thi meke sutferaunce,

Out of this exile, vnseur and transitorye,
And whan I passe sliryfte, hosel, repentaunce, 590

(78)
Of thy mercy requyryng tlie to myne

Of my mende the mydpoynt most profounde,
TJiis word le.<\\ my .v. wittes tenhimyne,

In length & brede like a large wounde, 59-4

AUe ydel thoughtf** tavoyde hem and confounde,
Thi cros, thy skorges, thy garnement cast at chaunce.

The rope, the peler to which thowe were bounde,
Graunt or I deye, shryft, hosel, repentaunce. 598

(79)
Of this pray ere mekely I make an ende, [leaf 65, back]

Vnder thy mercyfull supportacioun,
0 gracious les\x, graunt where-euere I wende,

To haue memorie vpon thi passioun, 602

Testimonyal of my redempciouw,
In my testament set for allegeaunce,

This clause last of my peticioun,
Graunt or I deye shryft, hosel, repentaunce ! 606

Let the
word Jesus,
like a

WOUIlfJ,

be tracp'l
upon my
liiind.

Thus I end
my prayen.

IV.

(80)
Duryng the tyme of this sesoun Ver,

I mene the sesoun of my yeres grene,
Gynnyng fro chyldhode strecched vp so fer

609

583 thy bytter ins. PnR. 58